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MATERIA MEDICA, 
PHARMACY, PHARMACOLOGY 

AND 

THERAPEUTICS. 



MATERIA MEDICA, 



PHARMACY, PHARMACOLOGY 



THERAPEUTICS, 



BY 

W. HALE WHITE, M.D., F.R.C.P., 

PHYSICIAN TO AND LECTURER ON MEDICINE AT GUY'S HOSPITAL, LONDON J AUTHOR OF 
A TEXT-BOOK OF GENERAL THERAPEUTICS. 



EDITED BY 

REYNOLD W. WILCOX, M.A., M.D., LL.D., 

PROFESSOR OF MEDICINE AND THERAPEUTICS AT THE NEW YORK POST-GRADUATE MEDICAL 

SCHOOL AND ATTENDING PHYSICIAN TO THE HOSPITAL ; VISITING PHYSICIAN 

TO ST. MARK'S HOSPITAL ; PRESIDENT OF THE AMERICAN THERAPEUTIC 

SOCIETY ; FELLOW OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF MEDICINE, ETC. 



FIFTH AMERICAN EDITION 

THOROUGHLY REVISED 



PHILADELPHIA 
P. BLAKISTON'S SON & CO., 
1012 Walnut Street, 
i 90 1. 



THE LIBRARY OF 

CONGRESS, 
Two Cu^iea Received 

SEP. 20 1901 

COPV RIGHT ENTRY 

CLASS Ofc-XXc. N#. 
COPY B. 



<b- 



$ 



\ 



<V 



\ 



^o\ 



Copyright, 1901, by 
P. BLAKISTON'S SON & CO. 



PREFACE TO THE FIFTH EDITION. 



Endeavoring to keep this edition abreast of the times, I 
have revised the whole and added twelve pages of new matter. 
To Dr. E. C. Perry and other friends I am indebted for having 
directed my attention to some misprints. 

[In presenting this edition the Editor would acknowledge 
his indebtedness, for numerous and valuable suggestions, to the 
many teachers, and especially to Dr. R. H. M. Dawbarn, who 
have used the previous editions in their classrooms, to the re- 
viewers who have courteously, but critically, examined the book, 
and to Dr. Henry H. Rusby and the late Dr. Charles Rice for 
important aid, particularly in regard to the definitions. The 
writings of most American and foreign authorities have been 
freely consulted. To bring this work up to date, his own journal 
files, which comprise all the periodicals devoted to the subjects 
upon which it treats, have been carefully studied. The unofficial 
preparations have been reviewed after consideration of the re- 
cent literature, and his practical experience with them. Not- 
withstanding careful condensation the edition is forty pages 
larger than its predecessor. For the convenience of the student 
a very complex index has been prepared by Dr. Ernest V. Hub- 
bard, who has also kindly read the proof. Brackets [ ] are used 

throughout the book to indicate additions by the Editor.] 

(5) 



CONTENTS. 



Definitions, 

Pharmacy, . . . . 
Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 

Prescribing, ..... 

Actions of Drugs, .... 

Drugs acting on Processes outside the Body, 

Drugs acting on the Blood, 

Drugs acting on the Cardiac Mechanism, 

Drugs acting on the Vessels, 

Drugs acting on the Skin, . 

Drugs acting on the Urinary System, . 

Drugs acting on Bodily Heat, 

Drugs acting on Respiration, 

Drugs acting on the Digestive Apparatus, 

Drugs acting on the Nervous [and Muscular] Systems 

Drugs # acting on the Organs of Generation, 

Drugs acting on Metabolism, 
Pharmacopceial Inorganic Materia Medica- 

Group I. Water, .... 
II. The Alkaline Metals, . 

III. The Alkaline Earths, . 

IV. Lead, Silver, Zinc, Copper, Bismuth, Aluminum, 
V. Iron and Manganese, . 

VI. [Gold and] Mercury, . 
VII. Arsenic, Antimony, Chromium, 
VIII. Phosphorus, 
IX. Chlorine, Iodine, Bromine, 

X. Sulphur [and its Compounds], 
XI. Acids, .... 

XII. Carbon and its Compounds, 



(7) 



8 CONTENTS. 

PAGB 

Pharmacopceial Organic Vegetable Materia Medica— 

Group I. Drugs acting on the -Nervous System, .... 349 

II. Drugs acting on the Heart, 420 

III. Drugs acting on the Respiratory Organs, . . . 448 

IV. Drugs which are Antiperiodic and Antipyretic, . . 463 
V. Purgatives, 483 

VI. Volatile Oils, 514 

VII. Bitters; 580 

VIII. Astringents, . 592 

IX. Demulcents, 605 

X. Parisiticides, ........ 622 

XI. Diuretics, 631 

XII. Drugs acting upon the Uterus, ..... 637 

XIII. [Colchicum], 645 

XIV. Drugs Related to Volatile Oils, . . . . .648 
XV. Drugs containing Important Acids, .... 654 

XVI. [Flavoring Agents], 661 

XVII. Coloring Agents, ....... 664 

XVIII. Drugs whose Action is Mechanical, .... 665 

XIX. Drugs [acting on Metabolism], ..... 669 

Pharmacopceial Organic Animal Materia Medica — 

[Group I. Drugs acting on the Nervous System, .... 679 

II. Purgatives, ........ 680 

III. Digestants, ........ 682 

IV. Drugs which are also Foods, ..... 684 
V. Emollients, ........ 690 

VI. Coloring Agents, ....... 692 

VII. Drugs whose Action is Mechanical, .... 692 

VIII. Organic Extracts (not official), t 701 

IX. Antitoxins and Serums (not official), .... 705] 

Appendix I. Vegetable Natural Orders, 713 

[II. Animal Natural Orders, 718] 

III. Latin Phrases used in Prescriptions, . . .719 

Index, 721 



MATERIA MEDICA 
PHARMACY, PHARMACOLOGY 

AND 

THERAPEUTICS. 



DEFINITIONS. 



Materia Medica. — [The materials used in the treatment of 
disease. 

Therapeutics. — The application of remedial agents in the 
treatment of disease. It includes : 

General Therapeutics. — The application of curative 
agents other than drugs and medicines. E.g., diet, 
climate, baths, venesection. 
Rational Therapeutics. — Therapeutics based upon 
Pharmaco -dynamics. -E.g., the use of digitalis for 
mitral disease. 
Empirical Therapeutics. — Therapeutics based upon 
clinical experiences only. E.g. , the use of colchicum 
for gout. 
In this work we shall consider only that part of Thera- 
peutics which is concerned with drugs. 
Pharmacology. — The study of Materia Medica and Thera- 
peutics, including the origin, history, properties and uses of 
drugs and medicines. It includes : 

Pharmacognosy. — The study of the physical and 
chemical characters of drugs, and the art of identify- 

(9) 



IO DEFINITIONS. 

ing and selecting them in accordance with those char- 
acters. 
Pharmaco-Dynamics. — The study of the action of 
remedial agents upon the organism of man, or the 
lower animals in a state of health. 
Therapeutics. — Although the correct definition of this 
term is as given above, yet it is, for want of a better 
one, often used as the name of the branch of study 
which deals with Therapeutics. Therapo-Dynamics 
has been used in the same sense, but is faulty. Expe- 
rimental Therapeutics has been suggested, but is 
not comprehensive. 
Toxicology. — The study of the nature, effects and detection 
of poisons, substances which, introduced into the body inoppor- 
tunely or in excessive amounts, are capable of destroying life. 
Courses of study and treatises upon Toxicology are, for conveni- 
ence, commonly made to include the subject of antidotes and 
treatment, although this is, strictly speaking, a part of Thera- 
peutics. 

Pharmacy. — The art of preparing drugs in a form suitable 
for use as remedial agents and of dispensing them. 

Pharmacopoeia. — A code of remedial agents, usually with 
descriptions, definitions or directions, prepared by experts ap- 
pointed by an authority of some kind, and intended to serve 
as a standard until superseded by a new one. By admitting 
certain articles to its pages, it declares them to be of importance, 
through the extent of their use, or to be entitled to confidence 
because of their value, or both, in the practice of medicine, but 
does not, necessarily, deny these properties to articles not ad- 
mitted. It fixes their official title or titles, and often their lead- 
ing synonym or synonyms. Usually it defines them, describes 
them with sufficient completeness to provide for identification 
and determination of the proper degree of purity, or strength, 
or both, and details and recommends such operations in prepar- 
ing them as pertain to a dispensing pharmacy. It may, in addi- 
tion, fix or limit doses and provide rules, formulas, tables, and 
other information and directions of importance in the practice 



PHARMACY. I I 

of pharmacy and medicine. It also fixes a date upon which its 
authority shall commence. Everything contained in the United 
States Pharmacopoeia (abbreviation " U. S. P.") is said to be 
" official." " Not official," as used in this work, refers only to 
the U. S. P. Many drugs and preparations are so designated 
which are, however, official in the British Pharmacopoeia (abbre- 
viation " B. P.") 

The United States Pharmacopoeia is prepared by a 
committee, meeting at the beginning of each decade, consisting 
of delegates appointed by invitation extended by the President 
of the preceding Convention, to all incorporated medical and 
pharmaceutical societies and medical and pharmaceutical colleges, 
and to the United States Army, Navy, and Marine Hospital 
Service. By Congressional action the U. S. P. is made a legal 
authority in the conduct of the Department of Customs, of the 
Army, Navy, and Marine Hospital Service, and of the District 
of Columbia and other Territories within the jurisdiction of the 
United States laws. By legislative enactment it is also made a 
legal authority within the jurisdiction of many States. With 
these exceptions its authority is but moral. The last edition 
became official on January i, 1894.] 

PHARMACY. 

[Pharmacy covers a field of nearly as much importance, 
breadth and difficulty as that of medicine itself, and requires a 
special, extensive and thorough preparation. It should never 
be practiced by the physician, when the services of a competent 
manufacturing or dispensing pharmacist can be utilized. The 
physician should, however, be acquainted with the general prin- 
ciples and most details of the science and art of Pharmacy, that 
he may judge intelligently of the services rendered him by the 
pharmacist, and also be prepared to act with safety himself in 
cases of emergency. A pharmaceutical education to this extent, 
accompanied by dispensary practice, should be provided for in 
every thorough course of medical study. The more important 
terms pertaining to Pharmacy are defined and explained below. 



1 2 PHARMACY. 

DEFINITION OF TERMS AS APPLIED TO SUBSTANCES OF 
VEGETABLE ORIGIN. 

Alkaloids. — (Their English names terminating in ine, their 
Latin names terminating in ina. ) Compounds of carbon, hydro- 
gen and nitrogen, and usually containing also oxygen, either 
existing in the plant as proximate principles, or being derived 
from other alkaloids, having basic properties, and forming salts, 
usually crystallizable, with acids, without displacing any of the 
hydrogen of the latter. The chief characters are as follows : 

(i) Either 

(a) solid, mostly crystalline and colorless, non-volatile, or 
(6) liquid and volatile.] 
(2) They turn red litmus paper blue. 

[(3) They are soluble in alcohol, chloroform, benzin, benzol, and often in 
ether. They are insoluble in water, but not so their salts, while the latter are 
insoluble in chloroform, ether, benzin and benzol. 

(4) They are usually precipitated from saline solutions by alkalies. 

(5) [One or more of the following will precipitate them : tannic, phospho- 
molybdic or picric acid, potassio-mercuric iodide or auric chloride.] 

(6) Their solutions are usually [intensely] bitter. 

[Alkaloids are, as a class, the most energetic and important medicinal con- 
stituents of plants. Examples in U. S. P. : Atropine, Morphine, Strychnine. 

Glucosides. — (Their English names terminating in in, their 
Latin names terminating in inum. ) Bodies which, heated with 
a diluted mineral acid and water, or by the action of a ferment, 
split up into glucose and some other substances (alcohols, alde- 
hydes, phenols). Examples in U. S. P. : Salicinum, Picrotoxinum. 

Amaroids or Bitter Principles (their names ending in in 
and inum as above) are of such varied nature that they do not 
admit of any chemical diagnosis. The term includes all distinctly 
bitter extractives of definite chemical composition other than 
alkaloids and glucosides. 

Glucosides and Amaroids are not the only principles whose names end 
in in. 

Fixed Oils are ethers of the higher fatty acids which] at 
ordinary temperatures remain liquid. The usual fatty acids 



DEFINITIONS. 1 3 

entering into the composition of fixed oils are oleic, palmitic, 
and stearic. 

Example : Olive oil consists of a mixture of a combination of oleic acid 
(C 18 H 34 0.,) with glyceryl (C 3 H 5 ) and palmitic acid (C 16 H 32 2 ) with glyceryl. 
That is to say, ordinary olive oil is a mixture of two oils having the formulae 
C 3 H 5 (C 1S H 33 2 ) 3 and C 3 H 5 (C 16 H 31 2 ) 3 respectively. When acted upon by 
caustic alkalies or metallic oxides they form soaps (oleates, palmilates, or 
stearates of metals) and glycerin. This process is called saponification, e.g., 
C 3 H 3 (C 18 H 33 2 ) 3 + 3 NaOH= 3 NaC 18 H 33 2 +C 3 H.(OH) 3 . 

Sodium oleate ( Hard soap. ) Glycerin. 

Fixed oils are obtained by expression or by boiling with 
water and skimming off the melted oil, from the fruits or seeds 
of plants, or from animal tissues. When pure they are usually 
[colorless or pale] yellow ; they float on water and cause a greasy 
mark on paper. They are called fixed because they cannot be 
distilled without decomposition. They are soluble in ether, 
chloroform, [turpentine and volatile oils. 

Those in U. S. P. are Oleum Amygdalae Expressum, Lini, Morrhuae, 
Olivae, Ricini, and Tiglii.] 

Fats are fixed oils which are solid at ordinary temperatures ; 
if extracted by expression, sufficient heat to melt them must be 
used. 

[Examples in U. S. P. : Oleum Theobromatis, Adeps. 

The same definitions will apply to fixed oils and fats of animal origin. ] 

Waxes are chiefly composed of fatty acids combined with 
monohydric alcohols homologous with methyl alcohol. 

Volatile or Essential Oils only resemble fixed oils in 
being soluble in the same media. They do not leave a greasy 
mark on paper. They are mostly inflammable, and mostly lighter 
than water. They are highly aromatic, and sufficiently soluble 
in water to impart their odor and taste to it. Most are prepared 
by distillation — that is, by passing a current of steam through the 
substance from which they are extracted, the steam is condensed, 
and the oil either floats to the top or sinks to the bottom of the 
water. A few, as oil of lemon, are obtained by expression. 
Their composition varies [greatly, and they are of four classes : 



14 PHARMACY. 

(a) Terpenes, which consist of carbon and hydrogen ; e.g., Oil of tur- 
pentine. 

(b) Oxygenated, containing oxygen ; e.g., Oil of eucalyptus. 

(c) Sulphurated, containing sulphur; e.g., Volatile oil of mustard. 

id) Nitrogenated, containing hydrocyanic acid ; e.g., Oil of bitter 
almond. ] 

They may contain aldehydes, phenol derivatives, ethers or 
ethereal salts, alcohols or ketones, generally associated with 
terpenes of varying composition. 

[Elseoptens, their names ending in ene, are liquid hydro- 
carbons isomeric with terpene (C 10 H 16 ). 

Stearoptens, their names usually ending in ol, are oxidized 
hydrocarbons, usually solid and crystalline. 

Examples in U. S. P. : Camphora, Menthol. ] 

Resins [are of very indefinite composition] . They are among 
the products of oxidation of volatile oils, [being usually oxidized 
terpenes. They are solid, most uncrystallizable, fusible, not 
volatile, combustible, insoluble in water, mostly soluble in alka- 
lies and volatile oils, and also in one or more of the following : 
alcohol, ether, chloroform, and fixed oils. Since] they are in- 
soluble in water, but not in alcohol, they may be prepared by 
extraction with alcohol and precipitation with water. This is 
the reason for the precipitate which falls when water is added to 
a resinous tincture. Those which combine with alkalies form 
resin soaps. Hence the alkali in Tinctura Guaiaci Ammoniata, 
and Tinctura Valerianae Ammoniata. [When occurring nat- 
urally, there are usually two or more resins mixed. 

The U. S. P. resins are Resina Copaiboe, Jalapae, Podophylli, and Scam- 
monii, Pix Burgundica, and Mastiche.] 

Oleoresins are natural solutions of resins in volatile oils. 

[Those in the U. S. P. are Oleoresina Aspidii, Capsici, Cubebse, Lupulini, 
Piperis, and Zingiberis.] 

Balsam, [is a term used in several different ways. As to the 
U. S. P. articles, they are liquid or soft products containing resin, 
an odorous principle, and benzoic, or cinnamic acids, or both. 



PHARMACEUTICAL PROCESSES. I 5 

Those in U. S. P. are Balsamum Peruvianum, and Tolutanum, Benzoi- 
num, and Styrax. 

Resins containing benzoic or cinnamic acids are sometimes 
called solid balsams.] 

Gums, are exudations from plants, [having an insipid taste, 
insoluble in ether and alcohol, in water either dissolving to form 
a mucilage or swelling to form an adhesive jelly.] They consist 
of one or more of [the following] : 

(a) Arabin or soluble gums, e.g.. Acacia. 

(6) Bassorin or partially soluble gums, e.g., Tragacantha. 

(b) Cerasin or insoluble gum. 

Solutions of gum are precipitated by alcohol. 

Gum-resins are exudations from plants consisting of a mix- 
ture of [one or more] gums and [one or more] resins. When 
they are rubbed with water the gum dissolves and the resin re- 
mains mechanically suspended in the solution, [forming an 
emulsion. 

The U. S. P. gum-resins are Ammoniacum, Asafcetida, Cambogia, Myrrha, 
and Scammonium. ] 

PHARMACEUTICAL PROCESSES. 

Many of these, as nitration, -precipitation, etc., need no ex- 
planation, but the following require a few words. 

[Dialysis. — The process of separating crystalloids from col- 
loids by bringing them in a mixed solution, into contact with 
one side of a membrane, such as a bladder, parchment or a parch- 
ment paper, which has water in contact with its other side, and 
resulting in the passage into the water of the crystalloid to form 
the ' ' diffusate, ' ' the remainder constituting the ' ' dialysate. ' ' In 
this way dialysed iron is prepared by diffusing the excess of the 
crystalloid acid solution- 
Displacement. — Another name for Percolation.] 
Elutriation consists in diffusing an insoluble powder in 
water, letting the heavier part settle, then decanting the super- 
natant fluid. The heavier powder in this is allowed to settle, the 



1 6 PHARMACY. 

fluid decanted, and so on until a fluid containing powder of the 
required fineness is obtained. 

Levigation consists in reducing a drug to powder by tritur- 
ating it with a little water and drying the resulting paste. 

Lixiviation consists in the extraction with water of the sol- 
uble matter of the ashes of anything which has been ignited, the 
solution being called a "lye." 

Maceration. — [The extraction of the soluble portions of a 
substance which is not wholly soluble in the menstruum, by pro- 
longed contact therewith. 

Percolation. — The extraction in a suitable vessel (the "per- 
colator") of the soluble constituents of a powder by the descent 
through it of a solvent (the "menstruum " ), the resulting solution 
being called the " percolate."] The marc is the material after 
its exhaustion by maceration or percolation. [Percolation enters 
into the manufacture of a great majority of the official prepara- 
tions of organic drugs.] 

Repercolation consists in using the liquid obtained by a 
substance as the menstruum for percolating a second portion of the 
same substance, and using the liquid from this second percolation 
as a menstruum for percolating a third portion of the same sub- 
stance, and so on as often as may be desired. 

Scaling. — Scale preparations are made by drying concentrated 
solutions of drugs on glass plates. The solid left behind forms 
a thin film on the plate, and this film is broken up. Some prep- 
arations of iron are [obtained by scaling] . 

Standardizing. — [Specifying an upper or lower limit, or 
both, of the active constituent which a drug or its preparation 
must contain in order to be official, and prescribing an appro- 
priate process for its determination. Satisfactory processes for 
standardizing are extremely difficult to establish, and have been 
adopted for the following only : 

Cinchona, not less than 5 per cent, of total alkaloids. 

Cinchona rubra, " 5 " " i( 

Extractum nucis vomicae, 15 " " " 

Extractum nucis vomicce fluidum, 1.5 per cent, of total alkaloids. 

Tinctura nucis vomicae, 0.3 per cent, of total alkaloids. 



WEIGHTS, MEASURES AND SYMBOLS. \J 

Opium, not less than 9 per cent, of crystallized morphine 
Opii pulvis, not less than 13 nor more than 15 per cent, of crystallized 
morphine. 

Extractum opii, 18 per cent, of crystallized morphine. 

Tinctura opii, 

Tinctura opii deodorali, \ 1.3 to 1.5 per cent, of crystallized morphine.] 

Vinum opii, 

WEIGHTS, MEASURES, AND SYMBOLS. 
Weights [(Apothecaries' or Troy weight). 

I grain symbol gr. 

480 grains = one OUNCE " ^ 

12 ounces = one roUND " lb] 

The scruple (20 grains, symbol ^ ) 1S rarely used, and the drachm (60 
grains, symbol g) is commonly used. 

Measures of Capacity. 

I minim symbol, TU 

60 minims = one fluid drachm " g 

8 fluid drachms = one FLUID ounce " ^ 

[16 fluid ounces = one pint ... " O] 

8 pints = one gallon . . " C 

Usually 3 and 3 are written fl 3 and fl 3 when they stand for fluid drachms 

and fluid ounces. 

Relations of Measures to Weights. 

I minim is the measure of [°-95 grains of water. 

I fluid drachm " " 56.96 " " 

I fluid ounce " " 455.69 " " 

I pint " " 7291.04] " " 

A I per cent, solution is approximately a grain in no minims. 
A fluid grain is the volume of one grain of water at 6o° F. ; [15. 5 C] ^ 
that is to say, it is a little over a minim [(1.05 ^l).] 

In the pharmacopceial description of the various proportions which several 

parts of a compound bear to one another, the word parts means parts by weight ; 

the term fluid parts signifies the volume of an equal number of parts of water. 

Metrical System. — This, which is as follows, is official on the Continent 

and in the [U. S. P. and] B. P. for the making of drugs and preparations. 

WEIGHTS. 

I milligramme = 0.001 gramme. 
1 centigramme = 0.01 '< 

I decigramme = 0.1 " 

1 gramme = weight of 1 cubic centimetre of distilled water at 4 C. ; 

39. 2° F. Abbreviation, gm. 
2 



1 5 PHARMACY. 

i dekagramme = io.o grammes. 

I hektogramme = ioo.o '< 

i kilogramme = iooo.o " Abbreviation, kilo. 

MEASURES. 

I millilitre = I cubic centimetre ( abbreviation, c.c. ) = the measure of I 

I centilitre = ioc.c. = the measure of iogm. of water, [gm. of water, 

i decilitre = iooc.c.= " " ioo " " 

I litre = ioooc.c.= " " iooo " (i kilo of water). 

Conversion of [United States] to Metrical System. 

WEIGHTS. 

I grain = 0.0648 gm. 
[1 ounce = 31.103 gm. 
1 pound = 373.250] " 

MEASURES. 

I minim = [0.0616 c.c. 

1 fluid drachm = 3.75 " 
I fluid ounce = 29.57 " 
1 pint = 473-18 

1 gallon = 3785.43] " 

Conversion of Metrical to [United States Weights and Measures.] 

WEIGHTS. 

I milligramme = 0.015432 grain. 

I gramme = 15.43235 grains. 

1 kilogramme = 15432.356 " 

MEASURES. 

I cubic centimetre = [16.23 rninims. 
I litre (1000 c.c.) = 33.81] fluid ounces. 
In prescribing on the Continent all liquids are weighed. 
The weight used for liquids and solids is grammes, and this word is not 
expressed. Thus — 

Magnesii sulphas 20.0 = 20 grammes of magnesium sulphate. 

Hydrargyri chloridum mite 0.5 = half a gramme of mild mercurous chloride. 
Tinctura rhei 1 . 5 = a gramme and a half of tincture of rhubarb. 

Domestic Measures. 

A TEA-SPOONFUL is about a fluid drachm, [4 c.c]. Usually it is a little 
more, viz., nearly 5 c.c. 

A dessert-spoonful is about two fluid drachms, [8 c.c.]. 

A TABLE-SPOONFUL is about half a fluid ounce, [15 c.c. Usually it is 
almost 20 c.c.]. 



PHARMACOPCEIAL PREPARATIONS AND DOSES. 1 9 

A wine-glassful is about one and a half to two fluid ounces, [45 to 
60 c.c.]. 

A tea-cupful is about five fluid ounces, [150 c.c.]. 

A breakfast-cupful is about eight fluid ounces, [240 c.c.]. 

A tumblerful is about eleven fluid ounces, [330 c.c.]. 

A drop is often taken as being a minim, but drops vary so much in size 
that they should never be used for children, nor as a measure of powerful 
drugs. For example, the number of drops in a fluid drachm of the United 
States Syrup of Acacia is 44, of Water 60, of Alcohol 146, of Chloroform 250. 

[Spoons, glasses and cups vary so much in capacity that it is never safe to 
prescribe soludons of powerful drugs to be measured by them. The use of 
glass graduates, which can be obtained accurately marked, should be insisted 
upon.] 

PHARMACOPGEIAL PREPARATIONS AND THEIR DOSES. 

Most drugs are not, in their natural state, suitable for administration. They 
are either too bulky, too nauseous, or contain noxious principles. Preparations 
suitable for administration are, therefore, prepared from them according to 
"official" pharmacopoeial directions. The doses of the various drugs and 
their preparations which may safely be given to an adult [are taken from the 
"Tables for Doctors and Druggists," 2d ed., compiled by Eli H. Long, 
M.D. ;] but these doses are often not rigorously adhered to in prescribing. 
They vary with the purpose for which the drug is required and the age of the 
patient (see Doses, p. 39). The following is an account of the preparation of 
the pharmacopoeial preparations, and the attempt has been made to arrange 
the doses so as to make them easy of remembrance. 

[Unless otherwise specified, the preparations are for internal use.] 

Aceta [(Vinegars). — Liquid preparations resulting from the 
extraction of the drug with dilute acetic acid, and filtering. 
The U. S. P. contains two. 

Dose. 

Acetum Opii 3 — 20""!; .20 — 1.20 c.c. 

Acetum Scillae 10—45111; .60 — 3.00 c.c] 

Aquae [(Waters). — Preparations made by impregnating 
water with a volatile substance. 

Mostly made by triturating the substance with precipitated 
calcium phosphate and filtering. Those in the U. S. P. thus 
made are — 

Dose. 

Aqua Fceniculi 1 ./ ,« z Q „ „ „ 

-Anisi }X-iA3; 8-30. c.c. 



20 PHARMACY. 



Dose. 

Aqua Cinnamomi %—l flj ; 15. — 30. c.c. 

— Camphorae ...... "| 

— Menthae Piperitae .... Y % — 2 fig; 15- — 60. c.c. 

— Menthae Viridis .... J 

Three are made by distillation : 

Dose. 
Aqua Aurantii Florum Fortior . . indeterminate. 

— Destillata indeterminate. 

— Rosae Fortior indeterminate. 

Six are simple solutions in cold water : 

Dose. 
Aqua Hydrogenii Dioxidi . . . I — 3 A 3 ; 4- — 12. c.c. 

— Creosoti 



, 1 — 4 fl z ; 4. — IK. c.c. 
- Chloroformi J . ° ' * 3 

— Amygdalae Amarae . 2 — 4 A g ; 8. — 15. c.c. 

— Rosae . indefinite. 

— Aurantii Florum " 

Three are made by passing gases through water : 

Dose. 
Aqua Ammonias Fortior . . . 3 — 6 ^ ; .20 — .40 c.c. 

— Ammoniae 10 — 20^1; .60 — 1.20 c.c. 

— Chlori 1 — 4 fl 3 ; 4. — 15. c.c. 

Cerata (Cerates). — Adhesive preparations for external use, 
containing wax, capable of being spread at ordinary tempera- 
tures, and not melting at the temperature of the body. Six are 
official in U. S. P. 

Ceratum I Ceratum Cantharidis I Ceratum Resinae 

— Camphorae | — Cetacei I — Plumbi Subacetatis 

Charta (Papers). — Non-absorbent papers coated with plas- 
ter-like preparations and used like plasters. The U. S. P. 
contains two : 

Charta Sinapis, made from mustard. 

— Potassii Nitratis, made from potassium nitrate. 

Collodia (Collodions). — Preparations for external use, either 
simple collodion, a solution of pyroxylin in ether and alcohol, 



PHARMACOPGEIAL PREPARATIONS AND DOSES. 21 

or impregnated with an active substance.] When applied ex- 
ternally a protective film is formed owing to the rapid volatili- 
zation of the solvent. [The U. S. P. contains four : 

Collodium. Collodium Cantharidatum. 

— Flexile. — Stypticum. 

Confectiones (Confections). — Synonym. — Electuaries. In 
England also called Boluses or Conserves. Permanent pasty 
preparations of powdered drugs thoroughly triturated with syrup 
or honey. The U. S. P. contains two : 

Confectio Rosce, used as a basis for pills. 
— Sennoe . . . dose, I — 23; 4. — 8. gm. 

Decocta (Decoctions). — Liquid preparations of organic 
drugs, 5 grammes of drug to 100 c.c. of decoction unless other- 
wise specified by the physician or Pharmacopoeia, made by ex- 
hausting the drug by boiling in water, straining the resulting 
liquid, and adding sufficient cold water to secure the required 
ratio. The U. S. P. contains two : 



Dose. 



Decoctum Cetrarise 



Sarsaparillre Composituni 



li — 4fl:f; 30.— 120. c.c.] 



Decoctions should be freshly made, as they are liable to de- 
compose. 

[Elixira (Elixirs). — Sweet and aromatic liquid preparations, 
containing 20 to 25 per cent, of alcohol. There are two in the 
U. S. P. : 

Elixir Aromaticum . . dose, indeterminate. 

Elixir Phosphori dose, ^-2^fl^; 2. — 10. c.c. 

Emplastra (Plasters). — Tenacious preparations for external 
application, solid at ordinary temperatures, but pliable and ad- 
hesive at the temperature of the body. Those of the U. S. P. 
are : 



22 PHARMACY. 



_ , _, 1 Lead oxide, olive oil and water. Lead oleate and 

Lmplastrum Plumbi , v , . £ , 

r ) glycerin are formed. 



Lead plaster as the basis. 



— Ammoniaci cum 

Hydrargyro 

— Ferri 

— Hydrargyri 

— Opii 

— Saponis 
— ■ Resinse Lead plaster and wax as the basis. 

— Arnicae \ Resin plaster, which is made from Lead plaster, as 

— Capsici / the basis. 

— Belladonnas Resin and soap plaster as the basis. 

— Picis Burgundicae Wax the basis. 

— Ichfhyocollae Court plaster. 

— Picis Cantharidatum Warming plaster. 

Emulsa (Emulsions). — Liquid preparations consisting of 
oily or resinous substances held suspended in water which has 
been rendered mucilaginous or viscid. Mucilago Acaciae and 
Tragacanthse are frequently used to form emulsions. Mucilago 
Acaciae should be recently prepared. It is incompatible with 
ferric chloride, borax, and lead subacetate. 

Emulsions are coagulated by acids, an undue proportion of 
metallic salts, and spirituous liquids. There are in U. S. P. : 

Dose. 
Emulsum Chloroformi I — 4 fl g ; 4. — 15. c.c. 

— Ammoniaci \ 

-Asafcetid* [^-1 fl^ ; 15.-30. c.c. 

— Amygdalae indeterminate. 

Extracta (Extracts). — Solid or soft-solid preparations not 
agreeing in strength, made by evaporating solutions of the active 
constituents of organic drugs to the required consistency. 

The drug is first powdered, then macerated and percolated with the appro- 
priate menstruum to exhaustion. The first third of the percolate is reserved, 
the remainder is evaporated at a temperature not exceeding 122° F. ; 50 C. ; 
until its weight is ten per cent, of that of the drug used, then mixed with the 
reserved portion, and both are evaporated at or below the above-named tempera- 
ture until an extract of a pilular consistence remains. For converting extracts 
into powdered extracts it is sometimes necessary to add an inert dry substance. 
The menstrua used are : 



PHARMACOPCEIAL PREPARATIONS AND DOSES. 23 

[a) Alcohol ; Extractum Aconiti, Cannabis Indicce, Cimicifuga;, Colo- 
cynthidis Compositum, Iridis, Jalapae, and Physostigmatis. 

(b) Alcohol and water; Extractum Belladonna; Foliarum Alcoholicum, 
Digitalis, Euonymi, Leptandra;, Podophylli, Rhei, and Uvae Ursi. 

{c) Alcohol, water and diluted alcohol ; Extractum Cinchona;, Hyoscyami. 

(</) Diluted alcohol ; Extractum Arnica; Radicis, Cinchona;, Colocynthi- 
dis, Juglandis, and Stramonii Seminis. 

(<?) Water; Extractum Aloes, Gentianae, Glycyrrhizse, Haematoxyli, Kra- 
meriae, Opii, and Quassia;. 

(/) Water and Aqua Ammonia; ; Extractum Glycyrrhiza; Purum. 
a (g) Acetic Acid and water ; Extractum Colchici Radicis. 

(h) Acetic Acid and diluted alcohol ; Extractum Conii. 

(?) Acetic Acid, alcohol, and water ; Extractum Nucis Vomica;. 

Extractum Taraxaci is an inspissated juice. 

Extractum Ergotae is obtained by evaporating the fluid extract. 

They are in the U. S. P. 

Dose. 

Extractum Aconiti -^ — X g r - 5 •°°^ — - OI 5 g m - 

— Physostigmatis y 1 ^ — }4 g r - ; -°°6 — .03 gm. 

— Belladonna; Foliarum Alcoholicum yi — l A g r - ; .° 8 — .03 gm. 

— Nucis Vomicae \ . ., 

_ Qpii / %— l § n 5 -008— .06 gm. 

— Cannabis Indicae l /e — ^ gr. ; .01 — .045 gm. 

— Stramonii Seminis ^ — ^ gr. ; .015 — .03 gm. 

— Digitalis % — I gr. ; .015 — .06 gm. 

— Conii 1/3 — I gr. ; .02 — .06 gm. 

— Colocynthidis "] 

— Colchici Radicis . _ . . . . j- ^_ 2 gr. ; .03— .12 gm. 

— Hyoscyami j 

— Quassia; 

— Aloes 

— Leptandrse 



3 gr. ; .03— .20 gm 



iridis . .::::::} *-3gr.;.o6-.2 0g m 

— Euonymi ") , 

~ . .. > 1 — S g r - ; -oo — .30 gm 

— Cimicifuga; f 3 s ' JS 

— Jalapse . . . ,. 2 — 8 gr. ; .12 — .50 gm 

— Gentianae 

— Podophylli 

— Rhei 3 — 15 gr. ; .20 — 1.00 gm, 

— Arnica; Radicis 

— Kramerige 

— Colocynthidis Compositum . . ~| 

— Haematoxyli j 

-Ergotae h 5— IS gr. I .30-1.00 gm 

- • J 



[O gr. ; .12 — .60 gm 
:5 gr. ; .20 — 1. 00 gm 
5—10 gr. ; .30— .60 gm 



— Uva; Ursi ....... 



24 



PHARMACY. 



Extractum Cinchonae ' ") 

— Taraxaci I 

— Juglandis 

— Glycyrrhizse "| 

Purum J 



Dose. 

-30 g r - ; 



30 — 2.00 gm. 



Freely. 



Extracta Fluida (Fluid Extracts). — Liquid preparations of 
organic drugs, made by completely exhausting the drug by suit- 
able menstrua, and concentrating the resulting filtered solution, 
so that there shall be 1 c.c. of the latter for each gramme of drug 
extracted. They are made by percolation and partial evapora- 
tion, the menstruum employed being usually alcohol, diluted 
alcohol, or alcohol and water in various proportions. They are 
in the U. S. P. : 



FLUID EXTRACTS. 








Dose. 




Extractum Aconiti Fluidum .... 




%- 2TM; 


.03 .12 C.C. 


— Digitalis Fluidum .... 




%- 3^; 


.03— .20 C.C. 


— Belladonna Radicis Fluidum . 

— Stramonii Seminis ' ' 


} 


1-3^; 


.06 — .20 C.C. 


— Nucis Vomicae " 




1— 4m; 


.06 — .25 C.C. 


— Ipecacuanhas Fluidum (expect.) 




1- 5 m ; 


.06 — .30 C.C. 


" " (emetic,) 




15-30 m; 


1. 00 — 2.00 C.C. 


— Sanguinarice Fluidum (expect.) . 




1- 5 m; 


.06 — .30 c.c. 


" " (emetic,) 




15— 60 m ; 


1. 00 — 4.00 c.c. 


— Veratri Viridis Fluidum . . 


• 1 






— Scillse " 




1- 


1- 5 m ; 


.06 — .30 c.c. 


— Colchici Seminis " . 




j 






— Conii " 

— Cannabis Indicae " . 




} 


2— 5 m ; 


.12— .30 C.C. 


— Capsici " 

— Colchici Radicis " . 




} 


2— 8m; 


.12 .50 C.C. 


— Lobeliae " . 






2—IO "I ; 


.12 .60 C.C. 


— Apocyni " . 






2 20 Til ; 


. 12 1.20 C.C. 


— Gelsemii " , 






5— 10 Til; 


.30 — .60 C.C. 


— Zingiberis " . 




1 
I 

j 






— Mezerei " . 

— Sabinae " . 




5-i5 ^i 


.30 — 1. 00 c.c. 


— Hyoscyami " . 








— Arnica? Radicis " . 

— Podophylli " . 




} 


5—20 TTl ; 


.30 — 1.20 c.c. 



PHARMACOPGEIAL PREPARATIONS AND DOSES. 



25 



FLUID EXTRACTS. 



Dose. 



Extractum Gentianae Fluidum 

— Krameriae " 

— Aspidospermatis " 

— Convallarise " 

— Menispermi " 

— Pbytolaccae Radicis' 

— Calumbae " 

— Lupulini " 

— Pilocarpi " 

— Hydrastis -' 

— Senegal " 

— Aromaticum " 

— Valerianae " 

— Iridis " 

— Serpen tariae " 

— Xanthoxyli " 

— Cinchonae " 

— Buchu l < 

— Eriodictyi " 

— Cypripedii" " 

— Calami " 

— Eupatorii tf 

— Gossypii Radicis l * 

— Grindeliae " 

— Guaranae " 

— Quassias " 

— Rhamni Pursbianae ' ' 

— Scoparii " 

— Rhei 

— Rhois Glabrae " 

— Rosas " 

— Rumicis " 

— Slillingia? " 

— Uvae Ursi " 

— Viburni Prunifolii " 

— Leptandrae " 

— Geranii " 

— Ergotas " 

— Pareirae " 

— Pruni Virginianae " 

— Sarsaparillae " 

— " Compositum" 



5 — 30 TT1 ; .30 — 2.0OC.C. 

5 — 60IU; .30 — 4.00 c.c. 

IO — 20 Til; .60 — 1.20 c.c. 

IO — 30 Tl ; .60 — 2.00 c.c. 

IO — 60 TU ; .60 — 4.00 c.c. 

] 

j. 1 5 — 30 Til ; I . OO — 2. OO C. C. 

J 



15 60 Til j 1. 00 — 4.OO C. 



26 



PHARMACY. 



FLUID EXTRACTS. 



Extractum Chiratae Fluidum 

— Cimicifugae 

— Cubebse 

— Lappae 

— Spigelian 

— Rubi 

— Aurantii Amari 

— Hamamelidis 

— Castaneae 

— Asclepiadis 

— Chimaphilae 

— Eucalypti 

— Frangulae 

— Matico 

— Scutellariae 

— Viburni Opuli 

— Dulcamarae 

— Sennae 

— Taraxaci 

— Cocae 

— Cusso 

— Tritici 

— Glycyrrhizae 



Dose. 
% — I fl 3 ; i.oo — 4.00 c.c. 

% — 2 fl 3 ; 1.00 — 8.00 c.c. 
y 2 — 2 fl 3 ; 2.00 — 8.00 c.c. 



\ I — 2 fl 3 ; 4.00 — 8.00 c.c. 

J 

I — 3 fl 3 ; 4.00 — 12.00 c.c. 

1 

( I— 4 fl^; 4.00— 15.00 c.c. 
1 

J 



1—8 fl 3 
Freely. ] 



4.00 — 30.00 c.c. 



Glycerita (Glycerites). — Solutions of drugs in glycerin. 
They are all liquid preparations, [mostly] used for external 
application. [In the U. S. P. are six : 



Glyceritum Acidi Carbolici. 

— Acidi Tannici. 

— Amyli. 



Glyceritum Boroglycerini. 

— Hydrastis. 

— Vitelli. 



Infusa (Infusions). — Liquid preparations of organic drugs, 
5 grammes of drug to 100 c.c. of infusion, unless otherwise 
specified by the physician or Pharmacopaeia, made by exhausting 
the drug for a specified time in a covered vessel, by water poured 
upon it at a boiling temperature (excepting Infusum Cinchonas 
and Pruni Virginianse which are made with cold water), straining 
and adding sufficient water to secure the required ratio. 

The infusions of the U. S. P. are : 



Infusum Digitalis . 

— Cinchonae . . 

— Pruni Virginianae 



H 



fl 3; 4.— 15- c.c 

fl ^ ; 30. — 60. c.c. 



PHARMACOPCEIAL PREPARATIONS AND DOSES. 2J 

Infusum Sennas Compositum . . . I — 2^ fl 3 ; 30. — 75. c.c. 

One is compound : Infusum Sennas Compositum. 

One contains acid : Infusum Cinchonas.] 

Infusions should be freshly made, as they readily decompose. 

Linimenta [(Liniments). — Solutions or mixtures for external 
application, liquid, at least upon application. All of which are 
intended to be rubbed into the skin except Linimentum Calcis. 
Those in the U. S. P. are : 

Linimentum Ammonias ._ . Ammonia water and cotton seed oil. 

— Calcis Solution of lime and linseed oil. 

— Camphoras Camphor and cotton seed oil. 

— Plumbi Subacetatis . . Solution of lead subacetate and cotton seed oil. 

— Belladonnas .... Fluid extract of drug and camphor. 

— Cantharidis .... Cantharides and oil of turpentine. 

— Chloroformi .... Chloroform and soap liniment. 

— Saponis Soap, camphor, oil of rosemary, and alcohol. 

- S is M His / ^ ^ soa P> °il °f l aven der flowers, alcohol, and 

I water. 

— Sinapis Compositum . . i OU of mustaid > fluid ex t rac t of mezereum, cam- 

I phor, castor oil, and alcohol. 

— Terebinthinas .... Resin cerate and oil of turpentine. 

Liquores (Liquors). — Solutions of chemical substances in a 
menstruum consisting chiefly or wholly of water. The following 
are the liquors of the U. S. P. : 

Dose. 
Liquor Iodi Compositus 

— Sodii Arsenatis \ I — 10 nt ; .06 — .60 c.c. 



._, 



2 — 10 m : .12 — .60 



— Arseni et Hydrargyri Iodidi 

— Potassii Arsenitis .... 

— Ferri Acetatis 

Chloridi 

Nitratis 

Subsulphatis .... 

— Acidi Arsenosi .... 

— Ferri Citratis * 

— Sodas 

— Potassas 

— Sodas Chloratas .... 

— Ferri et Ammonii Acetatis . 

— Calcis 

— Potassi Citratis .... 

— Ammonii Acetatis 

— Magnesii Citratis 2 — 8 fig ; 60. — 240 c.c. 



5—IO TTl; 


.30 — .60 c.c 


5-i5 ™L; 


.30 — 1. 00 c.c 


5 23 tii ; 


.30 — 1.20 c.c 


5-30 m; 


.30 — 2.00 c.c 


4- 1 As; 


2. — 4.OO C.C 


1-4 fl 5 ; 


4. — 15.00 c.c 


l-8fl 5 ; 


4. — 30.00 c.c 


2- 8 fl£; 


8. — 30.00 c.c 



PHARMACY. 



The following are not used internally : 

Liquor Ferri Tersulphatis. 

— Hydrargyri Nitratis. 

— Plumbi Subacetatis. 



liquor Plumbi Subacetatis Dilutus. 

— Sodii Silicaiis. 

— Zinci Chloridi. 



Massse (Masses). — Pill-masses intended for preservation in 
bulk until required for use. Three are official in the U. S. P. : 

Dose. 

Massa Hydrargyri . . . . . x / 2 — 15 gr. ; .03 — i.oogm. 

— Ferri Carbonatis ..... I — 5 gr. ; .06 — .30 gm. 

— Copaibae % — 1 3 ; 1.00 — 4.00 gm. 

Mellita (Honeys). — Mixtures of medicinal substances with 
clarified honey. The U. S. P. contains only two, one of these 
being simply honey purified. 

Mel Despumatum. Mel Rosa?. 

Misturae (Mixtures). — Liquid preparations of insoluble, 
suspended, active substances, or solutions containing more than 
one liquid of therapeutic activity. The mixture is usually fla- 
vored, and is for internal administration. Examples in U. S. P. : 

Dose. 
Mistura Rhei et Sodae . . . # — 2 fl £ ; 1. — 8. c.c. 

— Glycyrrhizre Composita . . 1 — 4 fig ; 4. — 15. c.c. 

— Cret£e \ 2— 4 fl 3; 8.— 15. c.c. 

— Ferri Composita J 

Mucilagines (Mucilages). — Adhesive liquids or jelly-like 
preparations, consisting of gum or starch dissolved in or fully 
charged with water. The U. S. P. contains four : 

Mucilago Acaciae. Mucilago Tragacanthse, 

— Sassafras Medullar — Ulmi.] 
There is no fixed dose ; it is usually I fl 3 ; [4. c. c. 

Oleata. — Oleates are solutions in oleic acid, intended for 
external application. The U. S. P. contains three : 

Oleatum Hydrargyri (20 per cent, of yellow mercuric oxide). 

— Veratrinae (2 per cent, of veratrine). 

— Zinci (5 per cent, of zinc oxide)]. 



PHARMACOPGEIAL PREPARATIONS AND DOSEi 



2 9 



Olea. — There are many oils in the Pharmacopoeia. They 
are all obtained by distillation or by expression except Oleum 
Phosphoratum, which is a solution of phosphorus in almond oil. 
[The U. S. P. olea are : 



Oleum Sinapis Volatile . 

— Amygdalae Amara; *. 

— Tiglii 

— Aurantii Florum . 

— Myristiece .... 

— Cajuputi .... 

— Cari 

— Anisi 

— Caryophylli 

— Cinnamomi 

— Lavandulae Florum . 

— Mentha; Piperita; . 
Viridis .... 

— Pirnenta; .... 

— Rosmarini .... 

— Betula; Volatile . 

— Sassafras .... 

— Thymi 

— Sabinae 

— Phosphoratum 

— Foeniculi .... 

— Gaultheria; 

— Hedeoma; .... 

— Coriandri .... 

— Chenopodii 

— Santali 

— Juniperi .... 

— Copaiba; .... 

— Erigerontis 

— Cubebse ..... 

— Eucalypti .... 

— Terebinthina; . 
Rectificatum . 

— Morrhua; .... 

— Amygdala; Expressum 

— Ricini 

— Lini 

— Sesami 

— Oliva; 



Dose. 
rri; 

m; 

m; 



[- 5 m 



5 m 



2 — IO TTl 



5-15 
5—20 



•so m 



.008— 
.01 — 

.015— 

.06 — 



.015 c.c 

■03 

12 



\ I — 5 ^J .06 — .30 



.06 — .30 

12 — .30 
.12 — .60 



■30 



c.c. 
c.c. 



20 c.c. 



1. 00 c.c. 



1.20 c.c. 



I— 4*13; 


4.00 


— 15.00 c.c. 


l A- *fl3; 


8.00 


— 60.00 c.c. 


y*- ^fls; 


15.00 


— 60.00 c.c. 


indefinite. 






freely. 







30 PHARMACY. 

Oleum Gossypii Seminis . . . -> 

— Picis Liquid* [externally. 

— Cadini 

— Theobromatis J 

— Adipis ") . , 

_ , r y in pharmacy. 

— ^Ethereum J r 

— Myrcise as perfume. 

— Aurantii Corticis ...... -> 

— Bergamottas 

T . . \- as flavoring agent. 

— Limonis [ & & 

— Rosse J 

Pilulae (Pills). — Solid bodies, usually spherical or oval,] con- 
taining medicinal agents, and intended to be swallowed whole. 
A mass of the consistence of firm clay is made by beating medica- 
ments together in a mortar. This mass is, with a machine, 
divided up and rolled into pills. In order that they may not 
possess a disagreeable taste, they are varnished, gilded, or sugar- 
coated. Unless the constituents are very heavy, each pill should 
not exceed 5 grains [.30 gm.] in weight, and the smaller they 
are the better. [Soap, mucilage of acacia or tragacanth] , and 
confection of rose are common excipients for pills. Glycerin is 
often added, for it attracts moisture and prevents the pill from 
getting hard, but pills made of it alone are too soft. Soap is 
useful for creosote and for essential oils if calcium phosphate and 
wheaten flour be added. Liquorice powder is a good absorbent. 
All pills are useless unless so made that they will dissolve in the 
gastro-intestinal canal. If it is required that they should not be 
acted upon until they reach the intestine they should be coated 
with keratin. Pills [except when sugar- or gelatin-coated] are 
often kept in some powder, as lycopodium, to prevent their 
sticking together. [The pills in the U. S. P. are : 

Dose. 
Pilulae Phosphori . f t£o g r - 5 -00065 g 111 - i n each. \ ™ 



I 2 ST. : .2C 



— Opii . . • • < 1 gr. ; .065 gm. in each. 

— Asafcetidse . . I3 gr. ; .20 gm. in each. -» 

— Ferri Iodidi j ^ 

— Catharticae Composite . . . -. 
-Antimonii « . . . I T _ ^ 

— Aloes et Mastiches .... 

— Rhei Compositae J 



PHARMACOPCEIAL PREPARATIONS AND DOSES. 



31 



Pilulae Aloes .... 

— Aloes et Ferri . . 

— Rhei 

— Catharticae Vegetabiles 

— Ferri Carbonatis . 

— Aloes et Asafcetidae . 

— Aloes et Myrrhae . 



Dose. 
4 pills. 



5 Pills. 



2 — 10 pills. 



Pulveres (Powders). — Preparations consisting of finely- 
powdered drugs, or (compound powders) mixtures of the same, 
and frequently consisting in part of a suitable diluent or ex- 
cipient.] The best diluent for powders is sugar of milk, because 
of its hardness and comparative insolubility. [The powders 
of the U. S. P. are : 



Dose. 
£— 2 gr. ; 



•03- 
.20- 

•30- 
•30 



Pulvis Antimonialis .... 

— Ipecacuanhas et Opii . . . 3 — 15 gr. 

— Morphinae Compositus . . . 5 — 15 gr. 

— Cretae " ... 5 — 60 gr. 

— Aromaticus 10 — 30 gr. 

— Jalapae Compositus . . . . %. — I g 

— Rhei " .... %— l Z 

— Glycyrrhizae " ... j4. — 2 3 
For Pulvis Effervescens Compositus ( Seidlitz Powder) see Sodium 

Ipecacuanhas et Opii is practically a trituration. 



.12 gm 

1. 00 gm 

1. 00 gm 

4.00 gm 

.60 — 2.00 gm 

1. 00 — 4.00 gm 

2.00 — 4.00 gm 

2.00 — 8.00 gm 



Pulvis 



Spiritus (Spirits). - 
hoi or diluted alcohol. 



-Solutions of volatile substances in alco- 
The spirits of the U. S. P. are : 



By solution : 

Spiritus Glonoini . 

— yFtheris Compositus . 

— Phosphori .... 

— Cinnamomi .... 

— Amygdala? Amarae 

— /Etheris 

— C amphorae .... 

— Chloroformi 

— Juniperi 

— Lavandulae . . . . 

— Myristicae . 

— Ammoniae Aromaticus 

— Anisi 

— Gaultheriae . 



Dose 




i— 5/ra 


.06 — .30 c.c. 


5_6o m 


.30 — 4.00 c.c. 


8—4O Til 


.50 — 2.50 c.c. 


IO—3O Ttl 


1. 00 — 2.00 c.c. 


15—45 m 


1. 00 — 3.00 c.c. 


15—60 m 


1. 00 — 4.00 c.c. 



] 

J- 30 — 60 Tit j 2.0O 4.OO C.C. 

I 

J 



2fl 5 : 
2fl 3 ; 



2.00 — 8.00 C.C. 
4.00 — 8.00 C.C. 



32 PHARMACY. 

Dose. 
Spiritus Juniperi Compositus . I — 4 fl^ ; 4.00 — 15.00 c.c. 

— Aurantii -> , . , 

„, I as vehicle. 
Compositus j 

— Myrciae as perfume. 

By solution with maceration : 

Spiritus Limonis as flavoring agent. 

— Menthae Piperitae ....-»„ „ ^ 

XT . .,. v \ 5 — 15 1*1: .^o — 1. 00 c.c. 
Viridis J D D ' J 

By gaseous solution : 

Spiritus Ammoniae .... 10 — 60 1U ; .60 — 4.00 c.c. 
By chemical reaction : 

Spiritus ^Etheris Nitrosi . . . y z — 2 fl 3 ; 2.00 — 8.00 c.c. 
By distillation : 

Spiritus Frumenti indefinite. 

— Vini Gallici indefinite. 

Suppositoriae (Suppositories). — Preparations in suitable 
form] for introduction into [and retention in] the rectum or 
vagina [and so mixed with a base (generally Oleum Theobro- 
matis) that they shall be solid under ordinary conditions, but 
shall melt or liquefy after introduction. One only is official 
in U. S. P. : 

Suppositoria Glycerini ; base, stearic acid. 

Syrupi (Syrups). — Liquid preparations of drugs consisting 
chiefly of a concentrated aqueous solution of sugar. There are 
30 official in U. S. P. 

Examples : Syrupus Aurantii, Syrupus Rhei. ] 

The dose of all is about I fl g ; 4 c.c, or rather more [excepting Syrupus 
Ferri Bromidi, Ferri Iodidi, and Scillae Compositus, when it is 5 to 30 m. ; 
'.30 — 2.00 c.c. 

Tincturse (Tinctures). — Solutions in alcohol or diluted 
alcohol of the soluble constituents of substances which are not 
volatile. (The U. S. P. includes also, as an exception, the alco- 
holic solution of iodine. )] They are prepared by — 

(a) Maceration; e.g. [Tinctura Opii Cnmphorata.] 

{b) Percolation; e.g. [Tinctura Lavandulae Composita.] 

(c) Maceration and percolation ; e.g. [Tinctura Opii.] 



PHARMACOPCEIAL PREPARATIONS AND DOSES. 



33 



(d) Simple mixing of ingredients ; e.g. [Tinctura Ipecacuanhae et Opii.] 

Tinctures containing only one active substance are simple. The rest are 
compound ; e.g., [Tinctura Catechu Composita. ] 

Some are compound, although it is not expressed in their name ; [<?.£., 
Tinctura Aloes. 



The tinctures of the U. S. P. are 



Tinctura Aconiti 

— Iodi 

— Cantharidis . . . 

— Veratri Viridis . 

— Strophanthi . 

— Ipecacuanha? et Opii 

— Opii 

Deodorati . 

— Arnicae Radici . 

— Nucis Vomicae . 



— Opii Camphorata 

— Belladonnae Foliarum 

— Scillse 

— Stramonii Seminis . 

— Cannabis Indicae 

— Digitalis .... 

— Lobelias .... 

— Ferri Chloridi 

— Capsici .... 



— Physostigmatis . 

— Colchici Seminis 

— Arnica; Florum . 



Gelsemii .... 
Moschi .... 
Zingiberis 

Aloes 

Myrrh oe • . 

Guaiaci .... 

— Ammoniata . 
Lavandulae Composita 
Asafoetida; 
Benzoini .... 

— Composita 

Kino 

Lactucarii .... 



child 
adult 



Dose. 

i— 5 m 
1— 15 m 

2— IOTTI 

3-20 m 

5-iom 
5— 20 m 
3—20 m 

1-4% 



.03— .30C.C. 
.06 — .30C.C. 

. 06 1 . 00 c. c. 

.12 — .6OC.C 

.20 I.OOC.C. 

.20 1.20 C.C. 

.30 — .60 C.C. 

.30 — 1.20 C.C. 

.20 — 1.20 C.C. 

4.00 — 15. OO C.C. 



5 — 30 HI; .30— 2.00 c.c. 



5 60 Til,; .30 4.OO C.C. 



\ 10 — 30 rt ; .60 — 2.00 c.c. 



15 — 6oTTL; I.OO — 4.OOC.C. 



\ 30 — 60 Til; 2.O0 — 4.OO C.C. 



} X-2A3 



1.00 — 5.00 C.C. 



34 



PHARMACY. 



Dose. 



Tinctura Chiratae 

— Cimicifugae ....... 

— Cinchonae 

— Valerianae 

Ammoniata 

— Quassias 

— Quillajae 

— Hydrastis 

— Serpentariae . 

— Krameriae 

— Catechu Composita . 

— Cubebae 

— Sanguinariae 

— Tolutana 

— Croci 

— Humuli 

— Cinnamomi 

— Aurantii Dulcis 

— Gallae 

— Aurantii Amari 

— Cardamomi 

— Rhei Aromatica 

— Cinchonae Composita .... 

— Rhei 

— Calendulae 

— Aloes et Myrrhae 

— Calumbae ........ 

— Hyoscyami 

— Surabul 

— Gentianas Composita .... 

— Bryoniae 

— Cardamomi Composita .... 

— Rhei Dulcis 

— Matico 

— Vanillae 

— Pyrethri 



2 fig; 2.00 — 8.00C.C 



: — 3^3', 2 -°° — 12.00 c.c. 



A3 



4.00 — 8.00 C.C. 



[ — 3^3', 4-°° — 12.00 c.c. 
[ — 4fl£; 4-00 — 1 5. 00 c.c. 
[ — 2)4 A 3 ; 4.00 — 10.00 c.c. 

[ — 4 fl^; 4.00 — 7I5.00C.C. 



2 — 4 fl£; 8.00 — 15.00 



c.c. 



% — I flg; 8.00 — 30.OOC.C. 
Y 2 —\ fl^; 15.00— 30. 00 c.c. 



Flavoring. 
Externally. 



Triturationes (Triturations). — Solid preparations made by- 
triturating a medicinal substance with a definite percentage of 
sugar of milk (Saccharum Lactis). The U. S. P. contains one : 



Trituratio Elaterini 



Dose. 
y 2 to I gr. ; .03-. 06 gm. 



PHARMACOPCEIAL PREPARATIONS AND DOSES. 35 

Trochisci (Troches). — Solid preparations, usually in flat- 
tened form, consisting of one or more medicinal substances 
mixed with sugar or extract of liquorice and held in form by the 
addition of mucilage. Fifteen are official in U. S. P. 

Examples : Trochisci Catechu, Trochisci Sodii Bicarbonatis. The dose of 
each is from i to 6 troches in the course of the day. ] 

Unguenta (Ointments). — [Unctuous preparations, either 
soft or solid at ordinary temperatures, but liquid upon being 
rubbed upon the skin.] They are generally spread over the skin, 
or may be rubbed into it. They are only intended for external 
use. The basis is either lard, olive oil, expressed oil of almond, 
lard oil, wax, suet, spermaceti, or paraffin. When it is required 
that the active ingredient should be absorbed, lard, which melts 
at about the temperature of the body, or hydrous wool fat, is 
the best basis ; when the ointment is required for sores, paraffin 
is a good basis, as it only softens a little at the temperature of 
the body. In hot countries, if the ointment would otherwise be 
too soft, the basis may be replaced by indurated lard, prepared 
suet, white or yellow wax. Benzoinated lard is often used to 
prevent decomposition. [Twenty-seven are official in U. S. P. 

Examples : Unguentum Hydrargyri, Unguentum Iodi. ] 

Vina. — Wines are weak tinctures, [the drug being extracted 
with white wine, containing twenty to twenty-five per cent, by 
weight of absolute alcohol.] 

Dose. 

Vinum [Opii 3 — 20 ""1 

— Colchici Radicis 5 — i5 Tt l 

— Antimonii 5 — 60 TU 

— Ipecacuanhae I — 60 TU 

— Colchici Seminis 10 — 30 TU 

— Ferri Citratis 1 — 2 fl 3 

-f^ } i_ 4 fl 3 

— rem Amarum ) ^ ° 

— Album as menstruum. 

— Rubrum " 

— Aromaticum as lotion.] 



.20 — 1.20 c.c. 
.30 — 1. 00 c.c. 
.30 — 4.00 c.c. 
.06 — 4.00 c.c. 
.60 — 2.00 c.c. 
4.00 — 8.00 c.c. 

4.00 — 15.00 c.c. 



36 PHARMACY. 

With Vinum Antimonii and Vinum Ipecacuanha the dose depends upon 
the purpose for which the drug is used. 

The following preparations [not occurring in the U. S. P.] are used : 

Abstracta. — [(Abstracts) solid, dry, powdered extracts of double the 
strength of the crude drug. They are prepared by spontaneous evaporation 
of an alcoholic tincture at a low temperature, mixing with it enough Sugar of 
Milk to make the product weigh one-half of the original weight of the drug, 
and then reducing it to a fine powder.] 

Bougies. — Solid cylinders impregnated with various drugs, and used for 
introduction into the urethra, [ uterus,] or nose. They are made either of 
gelatin (to be dipped in warm water before use) or cacao butter (to be dipped 
in oil before use). 

Cachets, made of wafer paper, consist of two watch-glass shaped halves, 
enclosing the drug, which adhere when moistened. The cachet is swallowed, 
and thus nauseous drugs are not tasted. 

Capsules, [usually made of gelatin, are also used for enclosing medicines 
so that they shall not be tasted, and they are now made for containing both 
solid and liquid substances. They are either soft and elastic or hard. The 
" empty capsule" is of the hard form and is made in two parts, the body to 
be filled when required for use, and the cap to fit tightly over it when filled]. 
Pills, cachets and capsules should be immediately followed by enough water to 
wash them down. 

Cataplasmata [(Poultices). — Soft, pasty masses used as a medium for 
the external and local application of a moist heat, with or without the addition 
of active medicaments. Any bland substance which will retain its heat and 
moisture for a long time is applicable for this purpose, a little oil or glycerin 
being often added to prevent caking. The substances chiefly used are flax- 
seed, elm bark, bread and milk, bran, and oatmeal. 

To make a poultice properly, the bowl in which it is mixed, the water, the 
spatula for mixing and spreading the flannel or cheese-cloth on which it is 
laid, must all be as hot as possible. The meal should be added gradually 
to the boiling water, which is continually stirred. It should not be spread so 
thick as to make it inconveniently heavy. ] 

Cigarettes. — The drug replaces the tobacco of an ordinary cigarette. 

Clysters. — [Another name for Enemata.] 

Collunaria. — Fluids used as nasal douches. [This term is rarely used in 
the United States.] 

Collyria. — Fluids used as eye washes. 

Cremora. — [Obsolete in the United States.] Creams are preparations 
having glycerin, vaseline, or some substance as a basis, and used for external 
application. 

[Enemata (Enemas). — Liquids intended for injection into the rectum and 
designed to act medicinally, to evacuate the bowel mechanically, or to serve 
as nutrients.] When their object is to empty the bowel, they are large in 
bulk, 10 to 20 fl 3 [300 to 600 c.c] ; when it is wished that they should be 



PHARMACEUTICAL PREPARATIONS AND DOSES. 37 

retained, they are small in bulk, 2 to 5 fl^ [60 to 150 c.c.], and after injec- 
tion a towel may be pressed against the anus. Mucilage, made with starch, 
is a good basis. 

[Essentiae (Essences). — Preparations of B. P. corresponding to Spirits, 
U. S. P., but of 20 per cent, strength.] 

Fomenta. — Fomentations consist of flannels wrung out in hot water, to 
which drugs may or may not have been added. 

Gargarismata (Gargles) are fluid preparations for gargling. 

Granules are small pills. 

Guttae [(Drops). — In England this term is used to designate liquid] 
preparations to be dropped into the eye. 

Haustus (Draught). — This term is used when only a single dose of a fluid 
preparation is required. 

[Injectiones (Injections). — These are of two kinds, Rectal (see Enemata), 
and Hypodermatic. The latter are highly concentrated solutions intended for 
use by means of a hypodermatic needle. (See p. 38.) 

Inhalations. — A common name for Vapors.] 

Insuffiationes. — Powdered medicines or medicated powders designed for 
blowing into the [nares], larynx or throat. 

Lamellae (B. P.). — Small, thin discs made with gelatin and glycerin, and 
used to drop into the eye. They each weigh -g^th of a grain [.0013 gm.]. 

Lanolinum is an ointment having hydrous wool fat as a basis. 

Linctus. — [(Never used in the United States.) A sweet mixture of a 
thick, syrupy consistence.] It is to be swallowed slowly, being retained some 
time in the mouth. 

[Lotiones (Lotions). — Liquid, usually aqueous preparations for external 
use, commonly applied upon lint or muslin] . 

Mollinum. — An ointment having for its basis mollin, a superfatted soap. 
It is readily absorbed, and also readily washed off with water. 

Nebulas [Sprays]. — Solutions sprayed into the throat by means of an 
atomizer. 

[Oxymellita. — Mellita containing acetic acid.] 

Paste. — A preparation to be applied as an ointment. 

Pastillus (Pastils). — [A name often applied to troches, and in England 
limited to] those having glyco-gelatin as a basis. 

Perles are small pills. 

Pessus. — Pessaries are solid preparations made like suppositories for in- 
troduction into the vagina. [This term is rarely used in the United States.] 

Pigmentum (A paint). — A [liquid] preparation adapted for painting on 
the skin, throat, etc. 

Succi [(Juices). — Expressed vegetable juices preserved by the addition 
of a definite proportion of alcohol.] 

Tabellae.— (Tablets or Tabloids, [the latter of British usage].) Solid, 
discdike or lenticular bodies made by compression. ["Tablet triturates" 
are composed of drugs which have been triturated before compression.] They 



3 8 PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. 

are very popular, but are often useless, for they may be so hard and insoluble 
that they are found in the faeces quite unaltered. [Tablets should always be 
prescribed extemporaneously and freshly made.] 

Vapores. — [Liquid preparations intended for administration by inhalation 
in form of vapor. ] 

Vaselinum. — This term [in England] is applied to an ointment of which 
the base is vaseline. 

PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. 

Before describing the actions and uses of drugs we must con- 
sider the manner, quantity and form in which to give them. 

MODES OF ADMINISTRATION OF DRUGS. 

(a) Into the blood-vessels by injection. This method is rarely used in 
man, excepting for transfusion of physiological saline solution (a teaspoonful 
of common salt to the pint of sterilized water at the temperature of the body) 
in cases of great loss of blood. 

(b) Into the subcutaneous tissues by hypodermatic injection. The skin 
of the patient, where it is lax, should be raised between the thumb and fore- 
finger of the operator's left hand ; the skin of the external surface of the fore- 
arm is often selected. In his right hand he takes a perfectly clean syringe 
containing the quantity of fluid to be injected, and fitted with an aseptic, 
hollow, silver needle, which is thrust under the raised piece of skin, but not 
into the muscles, for about an inch, care being taken to avoid wounding a 
vein. The syringe is slowly emptied, then withdrawn, and the thumb pressed 
lightly upon the seat of injection for a few seconds. The advantage of this 
method is that the drug is surely and quickly absorbed. The fluid used must 
not contain solid particles, nor be irritating, or abscesses will result ; it must 
be aseptic, and therefore, if it is not freshly prepared, it may contain a little 
carbolic acid — or, better still, boric acid, for this is non-poisonous and non- 
irritating. The bulk injected should, if possible, be about five minims; [.30 
c.c. ]. For injections that are not in constant use it is advisable to keep the 
drugs in the form of [soluble tablets or] lamellae, and to dissolve one in a few 
minims of water as required. 

(c) Into serous cavities by injection. This method is rarely used in 
man except when the object is antiseptically to wash out a serous cavity, as 
the pleura which has been opened, or to produce adhesive inflammation, as in 
the injection of irritants into the tunica vaginalis. 

(d) Into mucous cavities.— Drugs are most frequently given by the 
mouth, to be absorbed from the mucous membrane of the stomach or intestines, 
but the rate of absorption is much slower than from the subcutaneous tissue, 
and will depend upon whether the drug is readily soluble in the gastro-intes- 
tinal secretions, and whether it is given on an empty stomach, in which case 
it will be quickly absorbed ; or on a full one, when it will be slowly absorbed. 



MODES OF ADMINISTRATION OF DRUGS. 39 

[When it is intended that the drug shall act only in the intestine, pills, made 
purposely insoluble in the gastric fluids, are administered.] Some drugs, given 
by the mouth and absorbed from the stomach, probably never reach the general 
circulation, as they are excreted in the bile by the liver. The drug must be in 
a pleasant, palatable form, and generally so combined as not to irritate. 

Drugs are sometimes given by the rectum — in a solid form as supposi- 
tories, in a liquid form as enemata or clysters ; but they are not dissolved 
nor absorbed here so quickly as in the upper part of the gastro-intestinal 
canal. 

For local effects they may be given by the urethra or vagina (injections, 
bougies, pessaries), or by the respiratory passages (inhalations, cigar- 
ettes, sprays or nebulae for inhalations ; insufflations for blowing into 
the throat and larynx ; pigmenta, gargarismata, trochisci, for a local effect 
on the mouth and pharynx ; nasal douches for the nose). For sprays an 
atomizer is required. Sometimes volatile drugs, as chloroform or amyl nitrite, 
are inhaled for their general effect. 

(e) By the skin. — Some drugs may be absorbed from the skin if mixed 
with some fatty substance, [especially hydrous wool fat.] In this way mer- 
cury may be absorbed by being rubbed in ; but drugs are chiefly applied to 
the skin as ointments, plasters, etc., for their local effect. 

[Some drugs may be absorbed from the skin when they are volatilized. In 
this way mercury is introduced into the system by fumigation.] 

They are also applied to the eye and ear as drops and washes. 



The study of doses is termed Posology. In determining the dose the 
following considerations have to be borne in mind : 

1. Age. — The adult dose is that for a person between twenty and sixty 
years old. [For women the dose should be somewhat smaller than for men.] 

For children under twelve, add twelve to the age, and divide the age 

by the number thus obtained. Thus, for a child aged eight the dose will be 

8 2 

5 = - of an adult dose. From twelve to sixteen years from i to l the 

8 -|- 12 5 J 3 2 

adult dose is required, and from seventeen to twenty years from i to f . There 
are exceptions to this rule for individual drugs ; e.g., children take iron, cod 
liver oil, arsenic, and chloral hydrate very well, but they can take only very 
small doses of opium. [Cowling's rule — divide age at next birthday by 
twenty-four — requires rather less calculation and is generally of sufficient 
exactness.] 

Above sixty years of age the dose should slightly diminish as age 
increases. 

2. Weight. — In pharmacological experiments the dose should always be 
expressed as a proportion of the weight of the animal. In man the weight is 
not often considered, for it depends so much upon bone and fat, which are not 
active tissues. 



4-0 PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. 

3. Habit. — A man who is constantly under the action of a drug becomes 
very insusceptible to it. Thus an opium-eater requires enormous doses of 
opium to produce any effect. A person who habitually takes purgatives re- 
quires very strong ones to open the bowels. 

4. Idiosyncrasy. — The susceptibility to drugs varies very much. Some 
persons are salivated by minute doses of mercury, others bear it very well, and 
there is hardly a drug to which some people are not exceptionally indifferent 
or susceptible. 

5. Time of Administration.— Drugs all act to greatest advantage when 
given so that their effect will be produced at its natural time. Thus soporifics 
act best when given in the evening, slowly acting purgatives when given over- 
night, quickly acting ones when given before breakfast, ergot when given dur- 
ing labor. [Drugs which are readily decomposed by the contents of the stom- 
ach should be given when that viscus is empty, preferably a half hour before 
the meal time.] 

6. Mode of Administration. — We have seen that drugs are rapidly ab- 
sorbed from the subcutaneous tissues. Therefore a smaller dose is required for 
subcutaneous injection than when the same drug is given by the stomach, for 
absorption is slow from the upper gastro-intestinal tract. It is slower still from 
the rectum [therefore, to produce effects more immediately, the dose must be 
larger]. Also certain drugs are excreted by the liver or destroyed in it when 
given by the stomach. Absorption takes place quickly from an empty, slowly 
from a full stomach. 

7. Mental Emotion. — Sometimes if the patient's mind is particularly 
fixed on the action of the drug, a small dose is powerful. For example, often 
if the patient is convinced he will sleep, a very small dose of morphine is all 
that may be required. 

8. Temperature. — As the action of the drug on the organism is often 
partly chemical, the temperature must, in cold-blooded animals and excised 
structures, as mus«le, etc., help to determine its action ; but the temperature of 
man varies within so few degrees that this is not an important factor in medicine. 

9. Preparation of Drug. — A smaller dose of a soluble preparation, as a 
tincture, will be required than of a solid preparation, as a pill, which will have 
to be slowly dissolved before absorption [although in the latter case much de- 
pends upon the process of manufacture]. 

10. Rate of Excretion. — It is obvious that, other things being equal, for 
prompt action a smaller dose will be required of a drug that is rapidly excreted 
than of one which is slowly excreted. [It is also true that, in order to main- 
tain a continuous effect from drugs which are rapidly excreted, the doses must 
be repeated at shorter intervals.] 

11. Cumulative Action. — Sometimes it is found that if a person has 
been taking a drug regularly, but without the production of any poisonous 
symptoms, these will suddenly develop. This is said to be due to the cumula- 
tive action of the drug. It may be caused by the following circumstances : 
(a) The drug may be absorbed more rapidly than it is excreted. This is 



PRESCRIBING. 4 1 

the cause of the cumulative action of mercury and lead, both of which are 
excreted with difficulty by the kidney. 

(6) There may be a sudden arrest in the excretion of the drug. It is 
probable that digitalis and strychnine, when the quantity of them in the tissues 
reaches a certain amount, contract the renal vessels, and hence excretion is 
arrested. 

(<r) It is possible that, owing to an alteration in the intestinal contents, a 
drug which was previously very slowly dissolved becomes quickly dissolved, 
and hence rapidly absorbed. 

12. Disease. — The physiological action of drugs, and consequently the 
dose, are profoundly modified by disease. For example, a patient with peri- 
tonitis will bear enormous doses of opium. Antipyretics, which do not affect 
normal temperature, powerfully depress a febrile temperature. 

[The tendency of modern therapeutics is towards smaller and more fre- 
quently repeated doses.] 

PRESCRIBING. 

The more complex prescriptions consist of — 

(i) The Basis, or principal active ingredient \_curare\. 

(2) The Adjuvans, or that which assists its action \cito\ 

(3) The Coirigens, or that which corrects its operation \tuld\. 

(4) The Constituens, vehicle, or excipient, which imparts an agreeable 
form \Jucunde\. 

Thus the object of every prescription is to cure quickly, safely and pleas- 
antly. For example [in Pilula Rhei Composita the rhubarb is the basis, the 
aloes and myrrh form the adjuvans, and the oil of peppermint is the corrigens 
to prevent the griping]. In Mistura Cretae the cinnamon water is the vehicle. 
Many drugs do not require anything to assist their action or correct their op- 
eration. [The scientific physician usually prefers to administer the remedies 
separately, in order to more accurately observe their effect, and as well to dis- 
continue, or change the dose of, any one which may be necessary.] 

Incompatibility of ingredients should be particularly 
avoided in prescriptions. There are three kinds of incompatibility: 

(a) Chemical Incompatibility ; e.g., Glucosides should not be ordered 
with free acids, which decompose them ; nor Alkaloids or Alkaloidal Salts 
with alkalies, alkaline salts, tannic acid, iodides, or bromides, for they precipi- 
tate them. 

Examples of chemical incompatibility are the prescribing of (1) tannic acid 
or substances containing it with alkaloids or metallic salts, especially those of 
iron ; (2) vinegars or syrups containing acetic acid prescribed with carbonates 
lead to the evolution of carbon dioxide ; (3) strychnine sulphite is decomposed 
by potassium bromide, and strychnine is precipitated ; (4) chloral hydrate and 
alkalies form chloroform ; (5) quinine sulphate and potassium acetate together 
cause a voluminous precipitate of quinine acetate ; (6) lime water with mer- 



42 



PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. 



cury salts (this incompatibility is intentional in Lotio Nigra and Lotio Flava), 
precipitates mercuric oxides; it decomposes carbonates and bicarbonates of 
alkalies ; it precipitates solutions of quinine and morphine salts; (7) corrosive 
mercuric chloride is incompatible with most substances. 

The following table, drawti up by Potter [Materia Afedica, Phar?nacy and 
Therapeutics, pk Ed., p. S4°~\ shows the most important instance* 
of solutions which mutually precipitate each other. The letter " P" 
means " forms a precipitate with." 





in 

a 


a 

.2 • 





g 
3 


E 

_3 
4) 

a 


c 

"fi 

3 


Solutions of 


"3^ 

m 2 
■B 8 


3_>> 

w 2 
« 


s > 






3 * 

i) 




O bo 

13^ 


a! M 


•sin 




a 


.2 




< 


■s 


"3 

CO 


in 


_3 



p 


_3 
O 


Alkalies 


P 


p 


p 


P 


Tannic acid 


P 


p 


p 






P 


Carbonic acid and Carbonates . 


P 


p 


p 


P 


p 




Sulphuric acid and Sulphates . 






p 


P 






Phosphoric acid and Phosphates . 


P 


p 


p 


P 


p 




Boric acid and Borates .... 


P 


p 


p 








Hydrochloric acid and Chlorides . 






p 








Hydrobromic acid and Bromides . 






p 








Hydriodic acid and Iodides . 


P 




p 








Sulphides 




p 


p 












p 


p 








Albumin 




p 


p 












With the following drugs it is part 


icularly difficult to avo 


id ch< 


jmical 


incompatibility. 








Antipyrin. 


Potassium Permangac 


ate. 




Chlorine in solution. 


Potassium Acetate. 






Liquid preparations of Iron. 


Nitrites. 






Lead salts. 


Tannic Acid. 






Zinc salts. 


Gallic Acid. 






Silver salts. 


Acidum Hydrocyanic 


um Di 


Lutum. 


Corrosive Mercuric Chloride 


Mineral Acids. 






(especially). 


Liquor Potassae. 






Iodine and the Iodides. 


Quinine Sulphate. 






All Bromides. 


Ti 


ncture 


of Gu 


aiacun 


1. 





Substances rich in oxygen, as chlorates, iodates, permanganates, picrates, 
nitrates and bichromates should not be mixed with readily oxidizable sub- 



PRESCRIBING. 43 

stances, such as charcoal, sulphur, iodine, carbolic acid, glycerin, turpentine, 
and organic compounds generally, for explosive compounds are very liable to 
be formed. 

Poisonous compounds may be formed by the admixture of substances 
in solution : e.g. , potassium chlorate and the syrup of ferrous iodide liberate 
iodine ; diluted hydrocyanic acid and calomel form mercuric cyanide ; potas- 
sium chlorate and potassium iodide form, at the temperature of the body, a 
poisonous compound, probably potassium iodate. Death has occurred owing 
to^ patients having taken some of these careless prescriptions. 

If, in a mixture, incompatibles are inevitable, they should both be diluted 
with the vehicle before they are added to each other. The careful prescriber 
will avoid combining any of the above incompatible substances. 
-<' "„ (b) Physical Incompatibility. — This occurs when the mixture of the sub- 
stances will not form a clear solution ; e.g., insoluble powders and oils will not 
mix with water, the addition of which, to some spirits and all resinous tinctures, 
and to [fluid] extract of male fern causes a precipitate ; if an acid mixture is 
flavored with liquorice, the acid precipitates glycyrrhizin ; an alcoholic solu- 
tion added to chloral hydrate causes all the chloral to rise to the top. 

In such cases the aqueous solution may be thickened so that the precipitate 
is suspended in it to form an emulsion, but even then the mixture must be 
shaken before a dose is taken. Mucilage of acacia, freshly made, is the 
best emulsifying agent. The substances incompatible with it are mentioned 
on p. 22. It should be made perfectly fresh. The addition of a little almond 
oil improves its appearance. 

1 pt. of most fixed oils requires of acacia fy pt, water I pt. 
1 pt. of balsam of Peru " 2 " ij4 

1 pt. of oil of turpentine " 1 "I 

Tragacanth [because its preparations keep better] is often used to form an 
emulsion or a suspension, and sometimes yolk of egg or milk are employed. 
Liquor Potassa^ much facilitates the admixture of fixed oils and water 
[although] it often acts chemically on the ingredients of the prescription. 
Tincture of senega aids the emulsification of any oil, even in small quantities, 
ttl x ; .60 c.c. , being sufficient for an ounce ; 30. c.c. , of a fixed oil.- [Ex- 
tractum quillajse, one grain; .06 gm., dissolved in one ounce; 30. c.c, of 
water, will make a tolerably permanent emulsion with one ounce ; 30. c.c. of 
fixed oil, or one drachm; 4. c.c, of oleoresin.] Magnesium carbonate is 
employed to aid the diffusion of an oil in water through which air is to be in- 
haled. Resinous tinctures require an emulsifying agent ; an equal part of 
mucilage of acacia is the best. The suspension of oil of turpentine in mucilage 
of acacia is a very common non-official example of an emulsion. 

(c) Pharmacological Incompatibility ; e.g., the combination of purgatives 
with astringents. Sometimes this is intentional, as in the occasional addition 
of atropine to a hypodermatic solution of morphine. After the description of 
each drug, those that are incompatible with it will be enumerated. 



44 PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. 

THE PRESCRIPTION. 
The details of a prescription should be written in the follow- 
ing order : 

The first part is the Superscription, which is the sign R , an abbreviation 
for Recipe, < ' Take. ' ' 

The second part is the Inscription, consisting of the names of the drugs in 
the genitive case (the vehide in the accusative if ad is used with it), and their 
doses in the accusative. 

The third part is the Subscription, that is to say, the directions to the dis- 
penser. This in England and most other countries is written in Latin, but in 
France it is in the language of the country. 

The fourth part is the Signature, that is to say, the directions to the patient 
(from the Latin " Signetur," let it be labelled). This is written in English. 

The fifth part consists of the [physician's] name or initials at the bottom 
on the right, the patient's name at the bottom on the left, and under it the 
date ; thus : 

Superscription. — R . 

Inscription. — Tincturae Ferri Chloridi, fl g iij ; [12. c.c. ], {basis). 

Quininse Hydrochloratis, gr. xxx ; [2. gm. ], (adjuvans). 
Magnesii Sulphatis, ^ ij ; [60. gm. ], (corrigens). 
Glycerini, fl % ij ; [60. c.c], (corrigens). 
Infusum [Cinchonas], adfl^viij; [240. c.c], (excipient). 
Subscription. — Fiat mistura. 

Signature. — Take one table-spoonful three times daily, two hours after 
meals. A. B. C. (physician's initials). 

William Smith, Esq. (patient's name). 

1 6th June, 1901 (date). 
[On the continent and in countries where the metric system is generally 
employed] the quantities, either of fluids or solids, are expressed in grammes, 
so that the abbreviation is omitted; [60. meaning 60. gm. or 60. c.c. as the 
substance may be solid or liquid. ] 

Abbreviations. — Although abbreviations are objectionable, yet this pre- 
scription could be written thus : 

R. Tinct. Fer. Chlor., fl 3 iij ; [12. c.c] 
Quin. Hydrochlor. , gr. xxx. ; [2. gm.] 
Mag. Sulphat., ^ij ; [60. gm.] 
Glycer. , fl |j ij ; [60. c c ] 
Inf. [Cinch.] ad fl ^ viij ; [240. c.c] 
F. m. 
S. Take one table-spoonful thrice daily, two hours after meals. 

William Smith, Esq. A. B. C. 

1 6th June, 1901. 
S, ss. and fs. are abbreviations for semi, a half, and aa for ana, of each. 



THE PRESCRIPTION. 45 

The following is a prescription for a pill : 

R. Extracti Nucis Vomicae, gr. % \ [.015 gm.]. 
Extracti Euonymi. 

Aloini, aa gr. ss. ; [.03 gm.]. 

Hydrargyri Chloridi [Mitis], gr. j. ; [.06 gm. ]. 
Extractum Hyoscyami, ad gr. v. ; [.30 gm.]. 
Fiat Pilula. Mitte 24. 
[S. ] - ke one immediately before dinner every evening. 
WilhSS Smith, Esq. A. B. C. 

1 6th June, 1901. 

It will be observed that the quantities in the prescription are for one pill 
only, and the [apothecary] is directed to send 24. Often, however, the pre- 
scription is written with the quantity of each ingredient necessary to make the 
full number of pills. Thus : 

R. Extracti Nucis Vomicae, gr. vj. ; [.36 gm.]. 

Extracti Euonymi. 

Aloini, aa gr. xij.; [.75 gm.]. 

Hydrargyri Chloridi [Mitis], gr. xxiv. ; [1.50 gm.]. 
Extractum Hyoscyami, ad gr. cxx. ; [8 gm.]. 

Fiat Pilulae 24. 
[S.] Take one immediately before dinner every evening. 
William Smith, Esq. A. B. C. 

1 6th June, 1901. 

Prescriptions for powders are also written in either way. 
The medicine may be prescribed as a pill when it is required that the 
patient shall carry it about with him, when only a small dose is needed, when 
it is desirable that it shall act slowly, when it is required to act on the lower 
bowel, when it is insoluble or nauseous, or when it is difficult to prescribe in 
the liquid form. Kaolin is the best basis for substances, as potassium perman- 
ganate, which are decomposed by contact with organic matter. 

Oils, and volatile, deliquescent or bulky substances should not be prescribed 
as pills, as they require much solid excipient ; nor should pills be used for 
substances required to act immediately. Insoluble or very [disagreeable] 
powders are often given in cachets. 

Abbreviations should be employed as little as possible. Serious mistakes 
have happened because the abbreviations have been ambiguous. The follow- 
ing are especially to be avoided : 

Acid. Hydroc. (may be Acidum Hydrochloricum or Acidum Hydrocy- 

anicum). 
Ext. Col. ( " " Extractum Col chici or Extractum Colocynthidis). 

Hyd. Chlor. ( " " Calomel, Corrosive sublimate or Chloral hydrate. 



4-6 PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. 

Hyd. (may be Hydrargyrum, Hydras, Hydriodas, Hydrochloras 

or Hydrocyanicus). 
Sulph. ( " " Sulphur, Sulphide, Sulphate, or Sulphite). 

Sometimes the signature is written in Latin, and it is often abbreviated. A 
list of such abbreviations is given in the appendix. 

In Great Britain [and in the United States] it is always understood, unless 
otherwise stated, that the preparations are those of the Pharmacopoeia. 

Ad. — The prescriber should be careful in deciding whether or not to use 
this word before the vehicle. If it had been left out in the prescription given 
[on p. 44], the bulk of the mixture would have been nearly 10^ fluid ounces ; 
[315. c.c], and the amount of the ingredients in each dose would have been 
less than was intended. 

Dispensing the Prescription. — The dispenser should bear the following 
rules in mind : (I) Read the prescription through first. (2) Next write the 
directions, so that they have time to dry. (3) Solution by heat should not be 
used if more of the salt is ordered than will dissolve in cold water. In such 
case it must be suspended. (4) With fluids, measure them in such an order 
that the measuring glass shall be finally rinsed out with the vehicle. (5) Use 
glass scale pans. (6) Clean and put away everything directly after use. 
(7) If in the slightest doubt ask the prescriber. (8) If finally the prescription 
contains any insoluble matter, label "Shake the bottle." (9) If the "medicine 
is very poisonous, label it as such and use a distinctive bottle. (10) If for 
outward application only, [label it as such]. (11) In dispensing substances 
chemically incompatible, if there is any likelihood that the new body formed 
is dangerous, communicate with the prescriber before dispensing {e.g., Potas- 
sium Iodide prescribed with Spiritus yEtheris Nitrosi forms free iodine ; alka- 
loids are precipitated by alkalies). Should there be no such reason against 
dispensing the prescription {e.g., Liquor Potassae and Ferrum Dialysatum), 
keep the incompatibles as far apart as possible by diluting each with the 
vehicle before mixing. 

PHARMACOLOGICAL AND THERAPEUTICAL ACTIONS. 

When the action of a drug is spoken of, the physiological 
action is usually understood. 

The primary action is that due to the unaltered drug ; e.g., the emetic 
action of zinc sulphate. 

The secondary action is that due to compounds formed from the drug 
whilst it is in the body ; e.g., the antiseptic effect on the urine of Uva Ursi 
taken by the mouth is probably due to the fact that arbutin, the active principle 
of Uva Ursi, is in its passage through the kidney decomposed into a glucoside 
and hydroquinone, and the latter is a powerful antiseptic. 

The direct or local action of a drug is that produced on any organ with 



PHARMACOLOGICAL AND THERAPEUTICAL ACTIONS. \J 

which it comes in contact ; e.g., the cantharidin in cantharides, in being ex- 
creted through the kidney, causes inflammation of it. 

The indirect or remote action is a secondary effect, the result of the 
direct effect ; e.g. , curare paralyzes the respiratory muscles, consequently the 
blood becomes venous, and therefore convulsions take place. In this case the 
venosity of the blood and the convulsions are each of them indirect actions 
of curare. 

It is clear that among drugs acting on the same parts, the total effect will 
depend very much upon which part is first affected. For example, atropine 
and curare will paralyze motor nerves, but atropine first affects the terminations 
of the vagus, and onlv late in its action the motor nerves of the voluntary and 
respiratory muscles ; hence paralysis and asphyxia are late symptoms, and a 
rapid pulse is an early symptom. Curare, however, early affects the nerve- 
endings of the voluntary and respiratory muscles, and the heart towards the 
end ; therefore asphyxia and paralysis occur early, and a rapid pulse is a late 
symptom. 

Relation between Chemical Constitution and Physiological Action. 
— There is no doubt that the physiological action of a drug often depends upon 
its chemical constitution. Naturally, substances which are broken up in the 
body in such a way as to lead to the liberation of a common element or group 
will have a similar action. Probably, also, the action of a drug depends upon 
electrolytic dissociation Of its solutions. 

Instances in which chemical constitution influences action are the similarity 
of effects of nitrites, the fact that all chlorides, bromides, and iodides of ethane 
and methane are anaesthetic, the similarity of action of the iodides of many 
metals and the similarity of action of bromides of many metals. 

Substitution of one radical for another in organic compounds often strikingly 
modifies their action ; for example, if strychnine, brucine and thebaine are 
converted into methyl-strychnine, methyl -brucine and methyl-thebaine, the 
convulsive action of each of the first three substances is replaced by a para- 
lyzing action. The effect of substitution may be also well seen in the various 
derivatives of atropine and cocaine, and in the relation of aconitine to benz- 
aconine and aconine. Another very interesting case in point is that methyl- 
glucoside is sweet, ethyl-glucoside is somewhat sweet, phenyl- glucoside is 
bitter, and benzyl- glucoside is intensely bitter. 

Sometimes the position of the radicals in the molecule is of great physio- 
logical importance ; thus resorcin (metadihydroxy-benzene) is very sweet, 
while pyrocatechin (orthodihydro-benzene) is bitter. 

Sometimes the atomic weight appears to influence the intensity of action, 
for the relative toxicity of various alcohols is as follows : Methyl- alcohol, 0.8 ; 
ethyl-alcohol, i.o ; propyl-alcohol, 2.0; butyl-alcohol, 3.0; amyl-alcohol, 
4.0. The difficulty of the whole subject is, however, so great that it is impos- 
sible at present to lay down laws sufficiently general to be of any use to the 
beginner. It must be remembered that dissimilarity of action is often more 
apparent than real, for it may be due to varying solubility, digestibility, rate 



43 PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. 

of absorption, rate of elimination, or rate of osmosis, also to the organ which 
happens to be first affected, and the degree to which the drug can dissolve the 
constituents of tissues. 

Drugs may be classified according to the parts on which they act, and 
before describing each individual drug, a classification on this princip'e will be 
given. 

Division I. — Drugs acting upon Organisms which infect the 
Human Body, or upon Processes going on outside it. 

Antiseptics are drugs which arrest putrefaction, either by 
preventing the growth of, or completely destroying the micro- 
organism on which decomposition depends. Some authors limit 
the use of the word to those drugs which [restrain the devel- 
opment] of micro-organisms, and call those substances which 
destroy the [vitality of] micro-organisms, [germicides or] dis- 
infectants. [The term disinfectant, by extension, is applied to 
those agents which kill non-pathogenic bacteria as well as to those 
which destroy disease germs.] 

Statements are most discordant as to whether certain substances 
are antiseptics, and as to the strength of their antiseptic power. 
This is because antiseptics act differently on different organisms ; 
and the distinction has not been drawn between preventing the 
growth of, and destroying micro-organisms. Also because the 
power of antiseptics depends upon the temperature at which 
they act, the medium in which they are dissolved, the strength 
of the solution, the time given them to act, and the number of 
micro-organisms present in the substances to which they are 
added. 

To properly test the value of an antiseptic the above condi- 
tions must be noted. All instruments and substances — except the 
fluid containing the micro-organisms to be tested — are heated so 
that any adventitious micro-organisms are destroyed. A cultivat- 
ing medium, such as agar-agar jelly, in which the micro organisms 
will grow, is selected, and two test-tubes, each containing some 
of it, are taken ; to one of these the supposed antiseptic is added. 
Some fluid containing the micro-organisms is then added to both 
test-tubes ; both are plugged with sterilized cotton to prevent the 
entrance of germs from the air, and it is observed whether the 



DRUGS ACTING UPON ORGANISMS INFECTING THE BODY. 49 

micro-organisms will grow in the tube containing no antiseptic, 
but not in that containing the antiseptic. As the power of an 
antiseptic depends on so many circumstances, no exact order of 
their potency can be given, but roughly the more powerful are 
placed first in the following list ; the last are very feeble. 

1. Heat. — This is the best antiseptic, but a temperature of at least 212° F. 
[ioo° C. ] is required. After an infectious fever, clothing, bedding, etc., may- 
be heated in a dry-air chamber to between 200 and 300 F. [93. 5 and 149 ° 
C] ; or what is far better, as dry air does not penetrate the spores nearly so 
well as moist, and the interior of the rolls of fabrics often hardly gets heated 
at all, steam under pressure may be driven through them. Another useful way 
is to boil the infected things in water. Surgical instruments are disinfected in 
this way [but one per cent, of washing soda (sodium carbonate) should be 
added to the water to prevent their rusting]. 

2. Corrosive Mercuric Chloride. — A solution of 1 in 1000 is constantly 
used for washing hands, and for many other purposes connected with midwifery 
and surgical operations. [For most uses one part to 3 or 5 000 °f water or 
even weaker, is the limit of safety. Gauze of the strength of I to 2000 will 
blister, if the skin is damp. 

3. Formaldehyde, of which the forty per cent, solution is known as For- 
malin, has extraordinary power as a surface disinfectant, greater than that of 
any known substance. It is especially useful for the disinfection of rooms and 
their contents when volatilized from a specially constructed lamp. ] 

4. Chlorine is, as a rule, too irritating. Chlorine gas, disengaged by the 
action of hydrochloric acid on manganese dioxide, may be used to disinfect a 
room, the windows, chimneys and doors of which are sealed. It must be 
remembered that it attacks and bleaches many substances. 

5. Chlorinated Lime [is the best antiseptic for all excreta (Sternberg)]. 

6. Bromine, and, 7, Iodine are rarely used, as they are too irritating. 

8. Carbolic acid is used [but infrequently. If surgical instruments have 
been previously sterilized, the use of carbolic acid indicates a distrust, on the 
part of the surgeon, of his assistants.] 

9. Quinine, and, 10, Salicylic acid are too expensive for ordinary use. 

11. Iodoform is commonly used to dust upon wounds, etc. 

12. Boric acid is used for many surgical purposes. 

13. Zinc chloride, and, 14, Potassium permanganate, are much used 
domestically. 

15. Solution of Hydrogen dioxide is the ingredient of [various popular 
disinfectants]. 

16. Oleum Eucalypti is used in surgery. 

17. Sulphurous acid, disengaged by the burning of sulphur, is used to 
disinfect rooms. 



50 PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. 

18. Creosote, 19. Benzoin, 20. Zinc sulphate, 21. Ferric oxide, 22. 
Thymol, 23. Alcohol, 24. Balsam of Tolu, 25. Balsam of Peru, are none 
of them much used. 

26. Lysol, Creolin [and various cresol compounds] are not pharmacopceial, 
but they are powerful and much employed. 

We do not know of any drugs which, when taken internally 
or inhaled, will certainly destroy micro-organisms, either in the 
gastro-intestinal tract or respiratory passages, unless they are suf- 
ficiently concentrated to be fatal to the patient. Some authori- 
ties, however, consider that naphtol, calomel, and some other 
substances will destroy many varieties of micro-organisms in the 
stomach and intestines. [The fact is often lost sight of that an 
infinitely small amount of a remedy which could not be admin- 
istered in sufficient amounts to destroy, will often completely in- 
hibit the growth of micro-organisms, and thus should be classed 
as an antiseptic] 

Deodorants, or deodorizers, are substances which destroy 
disagreeable smells. There are too many for enumeration. 
Many antiseptics are deodorizers. [Charcoal is often called a 
disinfectant, but it is merely a deodorizer ; it is powerless if it 
is wet.] 

Antizymotics. — This is a word sometimes applied to drugs 
which arrest fermentation. 

Anthelmintics are drugs which kill such parasitic worms as 
infest the alimentary canal. Three kinds only are commonly 
met with in the temperate zone. 

(1) Tape- worm ( Tcenia soliwn and Tcznia mediocanellata). Anthelmin- 
tics : [Aspidium] (mostly used), Oleum Terebinthinae, [Kamala,] Cusso, 
Granatum, [and Pepo^. 

(2) Round-worm (Ascaris Inmbricoides). Anthelmintics : Santonin, 
[and Spigelia and Senna.] 

(3) Thread-worm {Oxyuris vermicularis). Anthelmintics: Rectal in- 
jections of salt water, infusion of quassia, solutions of iron salts, or di- 
luted oil of turpentine. It is doubtful whether these drugs (except turpen- 
tine) relieve the patient by killing the thread-worms which inhabit the rectum, 
or merely, by removal of mucus, render this part unfit for them. [It is prob- 
able that rectal injections are useless. Large soap and water enemata, the 
patient being in the knee chest position, give the best results. (Whittaker.)]. 



DRUGS ACTING OX THE BLOOD. 5 I 

Anthelmintics for the tape or round-worm should be given 
when the alimentary tract is empty. Hence it is a good plan to 
give a dose of castor oil a few hours before the anthelmintic, so 
as to ensure that the drug comes in contact with the worm. To 
expel the dead parasite a purgative should be given a few hours 
after the anthelmintic. [Castor oil should not be used if aspidium 
has been administered.] Purgatives used for this purpose are 
called Vermifuges. Vermicide is a term sometimes applied 
to drugs which kill intestinal entozoa. 

Antiparasitics or parasiticides are substances which destroy 
parasites. The term is usually applied to those which destroy 
parasites infesting the skin. 

(i) For the various forms of tinea the following are used : Mercurial 
preparations, especially the oleate, tincture of iodine, [glycerite] of carbolic 
acid, an ointment of pyrogallic acid, a boric acid lotion, a salicylic acid 
lotion, acidum sulphurosum, [formaldehyde] and thymol; and if the 
patches are small, severe irritants, as croton oil, cantharides, and chrysa- 
robin ointment. Tinea versicolor never" requires severe irritants. 

(2) As a parasiticide for itch, sulphur ointment is generally used. Bal- 
sam of Peru and [Styrax] are also effectual. 

(3) Pediculi vestimentorum will be killed by any mild parasiticide. 
Unguentum Staphisagriae [unofficial ; 1 part powdered seed, 2 parts each, 
olive oil and lard], is often used. 

(4) Pediculi capitis and pediculi pubis are also easily killed by mild 
parasiticides ; mercurials are commonly employed, so also is Unguentum 
Staphisagriae. 

Antiperiodics are drugs which arrest the return of diseases 
which recur periodically. Some, and probably all, act as direct 
poisons to the micro-organism causing the disease. 

They are cinchona bark, quinine and its salts (by far the most powerful), 
cinchonine, arsenous acid, eucalyptus, hydrastis, salicin, salicylic acid 
[and berberine]. They are used for all forms of intermittent fever and 
neuralgia. 

Division II. — Drugs acting ox the Blood. 

A. Drugs acting on the Plasma. — Many substances must 
after absorption exist in solution in the plasma, and purgatives, 
diuretics and diaphoretics must alter the composition of the 
plasma by abstracting substances from it ; but while drugs are 



52 PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. 

given with the object of acting on the plasma it is in order to 
render it more alkaline : we know no drugs which will make it 
acid, or even markedly reduce the natural alkalinity of the 
plasma, as the mineral acids can only exist in it in the form of 
neutral salts. 

The alkalizers of the plasma are salts of — 

(i) Potassium. (4) Lithium. 

(2) Sodium. (5) Magnesium. 

(3) Ammonium. (6) Calcium. 

This is approximately the order of their alkalizing power. Potassium is 
certainly the most powerful, while calcium is very feeble. 

The citrates and tartrates of these metals are decomposed in 
the plasma into alkaline carbonates. As alkalies unite with 
uric acid and form soluble urates, they are given with the hope 
that this will occur in the plasma. The diuretic effect of the 
alkali aids the excretion of the urates. 

Therapeutics. — The chief use of alkalies is their adminis- 
tration in gout, in which disease the uric acid is greatly in ex- 
cess in the plasma. As the treatment has to be continued for 
some time, a preparation which does not [disturb] digestion, 
such as potassium citrate, is usually preferred, or lithium citrate, 
for the lithium compound of uric acid is very soluble in water; 
but the value of lithium is doubtful, as it does not increase the 
solubility of urates in the plasma. For the same purpose the 
[numerous] natural alkaline waters are frequently prescribed. 

In lead-poisoning the lead is locked up in the tissues in a 
very sparingly soluble form. Potassium iodide was given be- 
cause some authorities believed it increased the solubility of lead 
in the plasma, and consequently facilitated its excretion by the 
kidneys. 

Alkalies have been largely used in rheumatic fever, on the 
assumption that there is a deleterious agent in the plasma, and 
that its solubility is increased by increasing the alkalinity of the 
plasma ; but this treatment has now been abandoned in favor of 
that by salicylates. For the same theoretical reason alkalies have 
been given in rheumatoid arthritis. 



DRUGS ACTING ON THE BLOOD. 53 

Purgatives, diaphoretics and diuretics necessarily alter 
the composition of the plasma, and are largely used when there 
is much oedema of any part, or effusion into serous cavities, in 
the hope that as fast as these remedies drain off fluid from the 
plasma it will be replaced by that which is effused pathologically. 
Also they are given in conditions, as uraemia, in which it is 
thought that there are poisons in the blood, in order that their 
excretion may be hastened. 

The composition of the plasma can also be altered directly 
either by venesection or transfusion. 

B. Drugs acting on the Red Corpuscles. — The most 
important are those which can increase the amount of haemo- 
globin when that is deficient. Strictly speaking, all these have 
a pathological and not a physiological action, for we know of no 
drugs which will increase the amount of iron in perfectly healthy 
blood. These drugs are called hsematinics. 



They are — 

(i) Iron and its salts. 

(2) Arsenous acid. 

(3) Potassium permanga- 

nate (doubtful). 



(4) Copper salts "] 

(5) Hydrochloric acid j 

(6) Potassium salts \ ( doubtfu1 )- 

(7) Phosphorus 



They not only increase the quantity of haemoglobin in each 
corpuscle, but also the number of red corpuscles. Their action is 
much aided by good food, fresh air, and attention to the general 
health, and especially to the digestive organs. The mode of 
action of these hsematinics is very obscure, and will be discussed 
under each drug. Iron is by far the most important and effectual. 

Indirect hsematinics are drugs which benefit the patient 
by removing some obvious cause for his deficiency in haemoglobin, 
or anaemia, as it is generally termed. Such are mercury, given 
for syphilis, quinine for ague, etc. 

Alcohol and quinine diminish the oxygenating power of the blood, for 
they render oxy haemoglobin a more stable compound than it usually is, but 
their action in this direction is slight. Citrates and tartrates of the alkaline 
metals are partially oxidized to carbonates at the expense of the oxygen of the 
red blood- corpuscles. 



54 PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. 

The size of the red blood- corpuscles is said to be diminished by carbon 
[dioxide], quinine and morphine, and to be increased by oxygen, hydrocyanic 
acid, and quinine ; and their number is said to be increased by small doses of 
mercury. 

A large amount of sodium chloride causes the red corpuscles to pass 
rapidly through the walls of the capillaries. 

Quinine and hydrocyanic acid diminish the ozonizing power of the blood. 

There are some drugs which are not employed therapeutically 
for their action on the blood, which are nevertheless very im- 
portant physiologically and toxicologically, for they kill by alter- 
ing the composition of the haemoglobin, thus preventing 
its uniting with oxygen. Such are carbonic oxide, which turns 
out the oxygen from oxyhemoglobin, hydrocyanic acid, which 
forms cyano-haemoglobin, and potassium chlorate. Acetanilid, 
antipyrin, phenacetin, and nitrites, especially amyl nitrite, con- 
vert the haemoglobin into methsemoglobin ; acetanilid, amyl 
nitrite, potassium chlorate, and pyrogallic acid destroy the red 
corpuscles. 

Phosphorus, arsenic, hydrogen [sulphide], turpentine, iodine, and sulphur 
also reduce oxyhemoglobin. Phosphorus is especially destructive to the blood. 

When freshly drawn blood is exposed to the air its oxidization is dimin- 
ished by hydrocyanic acid, alcohol, chloroform, quinine, morphine, nicotine, 
strychnine, and brucine. 

C. Drugs acting on the White Corpuscles. — Most if 
not all drugs which are poisonous to amoebae are poisons to white 
corpuscles when applied in sufficient strength, which, however, 
is rarely the case in the human, body. All irritants which set 
up inflammation cause the white blood-corpuscles to wander 
through the capillary walls ; and all the cinchona alkaloids, 
viz., quinine, quinidine, cinchonine, and cinchonidine, have the 
power of arresting this migration ; of these, quinine is the most 
powerful. [Berberine sulphate and] acetanilid are also 
powerful. If the quinine is circulating in the capillaries, it pre- 
vents the white corpuscles from wandering out ; if it is applied 
to the outside of the vessels, it prevents the corpuscles from 
wandering away from the vessel through the wall of which they 
have passed. 



DRUGS ACTING ON THE CARDIAC MECHANISM. 55 

Veratrine applied to white corpuscles outside the body kills them. 

Camphor, myrrh and other aromatics are said to increase their production 
by increasing absorption from the intestine. 

The following facts do not fall under any of the previous headings : — Poi- 
sonous doses of mercury increase the fluidity of the blood, impair its power 
of coagulation, and diminish the solids in it. Cod-liver oil increases the solids 
of the blood. Potassium iodide and calcium salts [especially the chloride] are 
said to increase the power of coagulation ; other substances doing this will be 
described under astringents. 



Division III. — Drugs acting on the Cardiac Mechanism. 

The heart is capable of spontaneously originating impulses 
which in health begin in the sinus venosus, and spread down- 
' wards over the auricle and the ventricle to the apex. It used to 
be considered that these movements were due to spontaneous 
impulses proceeding from the cardiac ganglia surrounding chiefly 
the entrance of the superior and inferior venae cavse, the entrance 
of the pulmonary veins, and the auriculo -ventricular groove ; but 
we now know that there is no certain evidence that these ganglia 
originate impulses, and most of the evidence goes to show that 
the contraction of the muscular fibres is due to spontaneous im- 
pulses arising in them. This contractile power of the muscular 
fibres can be inhibited by the vagus, the fibres of which proceed 
from the vagal nucleus in the medulla, and can be augmented by 
the augmentor or accelerator nerve-fibres, which proceed down- 
wards in the cervical spinal cord to the upper dorsal nerves, from 
which they pass through the first thoracic ganglion to the sym- 
pathetic, and so to the cardiac plexus, and thence to the heart. 
We are ignorant of any function for the cardiac ganglia ; we 
know that medullated nerve-fibres lose their medulla in them, 
and that more fibres proceed from them than enter them. Possi- 
bly they have a nutritive function. We have, therefore, only to 
consider the action of drugs on the muscular substance of the 
heart, on the vagal or inhibitory fibres, on the vagal centre, on 
the augmentor, accelerator, or sympathetic fibres, and on the 
accelerator centre. The centres are remarkably easily affected 
by afferent impulses, proceeding from the heart itself or from 
almost any part of the body. Our information concerning the 



56 PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. 

action of drugs on the heart of man is necessarily rather inexact, 
for many experiments are difficult to perform upon the mammalian 
heart, consequently the cold-blooded animals have been largely 
used ; and as some differences are observed among them — for 
example, between the fiog and the tortoise — it is probable that 
the deductions drawn from experiments upon the hearts of warm- 
blooded animals are not wholly applicable to man. In the fol- 
lowing account of drugs the action described is that of a moderate 
dose ; the action of a large dose is generally the reverse of that 
of a moderate dose. 

A. Drugs acting upon the Heart directly. — Our knowl- 
edge of these has been gained by studying the action of drugs 
upon excised hearts or pieces of the heart, and the action of 
drugs locally applied to the heart, either by gently applying a 
solution externally, or by means of a [transfusion] cannula. It is 
difficult to decide whether a drug acts upon the muscular fibre 
itself, or upon the fine nerves between these fibres, so that no 
attempt will here be made to distinguish between these actions. 
.As the apex of the heart contains fewer nerves than the rest 
of the organ, it has been concluded that if a drug acts upon the 
apex, when it is cut off from the remainder of the heart, it acts 
upon the muscle only ; but it would be difficult absolutely to 
deny the existence of fine nerve-fibres in the apex. The vagus 
or inhibitory nervous mechanism has been much more studied 
than the accelerating. The effect of stimulating the muscle may 
be either to increase the rate or the force of the beat, or to do 
both ; that of stimulating the minute branches of the vagus or 
its terminations in the heart will be either to diminish the rate 
or the force of the beat, or both ; and the effect of stimulating 
the accelerator fibres will be just the opposite ; and in each 
of these cases the effect of paralyzing will be the reverse of stimu- 
lating. The distinction between a stimulating effect on the ter- 
minations of the vagus and a depressing effect on the termina- 
tions of the accelerator nerves might be determined by observing 
the effect of stimulation of each of these nerves before and after 
the local application of the drug, provided that it has been 
shown that the muscle itself is not affected by the drug ; but this 



DRUGS ACTING ON THE CARDIAC MECHANISM. 



57 



is often difficult to prove. It is easily seen that the complexity 
of the problem is so great that it will be most convenient to 
classify the drugs which act locally on the heart by the effect 
they produce, without attempting to say whether they act on the 
muscle or nerve terminations. 



Drugs increasing the force of the contraction 



(i) Digitalis. 

(2) Strophanthus. 

(3) [Sparteine.] 
U'i Squill. 

(5) Saponin. 



(6) Convallaria Majalis. 

(7) Caffeine. 

(8) Veratrine. 

(9) Erythrophlceum. 
(10) Barium Salts. 



In large doses these drugs in frogs always cause arrest of heart in systole ; 
in mammals the final arrest may be in diastole with some, e.g., digitalis. 
They all slow the pulse. 



(11) Dilute solutions of salts 

of the alkaline metals. 

(12) Dilute solutions of copper 

double salts. 



(13) Dilute solutions of zinc 

double salts. 

(14) Dilute solutions of chloral. 

(15) Physostigmine. 

(16) Camphor. 



These drugs have the same action without the final arrest in systole. The 
rate of the pulse is not markedly altered. 



Drugs the chief action of which is to decrease the force of the contraction, 



usually with stoppage in diastole: 

(i) Diluted acids. 

(2) Strong solutions of salts of 

the alkaline metals. 

(3) " of barium salts. 

(4) " of copper double salts, j 

(5) " of zinc double salts. 

(6) Strong solutions of chloral, j 



(7) Muscarine. 

(8) Pilocarpine. 

(9) Saponin (large doses). 
(10) Apomorphine. 

(ii) Emetine. 

(12) Salicylic acid (large doses). 



Drugs an important action of which is to increase the rate of the cardiac 
beat : 



(i) Atropine. 

(2) Hyoscyamine. 

(3) Daturine. 



(4) Duboisine. 

(5) Cocaine. 

(6) Saponin. 



58 



PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. 



Drugs an important action of which is to slow the rate of the cardiac beat 
(see also first list given above): 

(i) Muscarine. (2) Pilocarpine. 

Drugs which increase both the force and the number of the beats : 



(1) [Ammonium salts.] 

(2) Alcohol. 

(3) Ether. 

(4) Chloroform. 

(5) [Cactus.] 



(6) Anaesthetics. 

(7) Arsenical salts. 

(8) Quinine. 

(9) Strychnine. 



Drugs which decrease both the force and the number of the beats , 



(1) Antimony salts. 

(2) Aconite. 

(3) Hydrocyanic acid. 



(4) Ergot. 

(5) Veratrum Viride.V 

(6) [Cevadilla.] 



B. Drugs acting on the Vagus Centre. — If we observe 
that the giving of a drug to an animal alters the beat of the heart, 
but that this alteration can be done away with, either by cutting 
the vagi or stimulating the peripheral end of the nerve, — if one 
only of them be cut, — we may conclude that the drug acted on 
the vagus centre in the medulla. 



Drugs zuhich stimulate the vagus 
slowed, but this slowing disappears on 

(1) Chloroform. 

(2) Chloral hydrate. 

(3) Butyl-chloral [hydrate.] 

(4) Aconite. 

(5) Veratrum Viride. 

(6) Nicotine. 

(7) Digitalis. 

(8) [Sparteine.] 

(9) Strophanthus. 



centre : that is to 
section of the vagi : 

( 



say, the pulse is 



o) Squill. 

(11) Convallaria Majalis. 

(12) Hydrocyanic acid. 

(13) Cocaine (large doses). 

(14) Staphisagria (Delphinine.) 

(15) Atropine. \ Only very 

(16) Hyoscyamine. \ early in their 

(17) Daturine. J action. 

(18) Increased blood-pressure. 

(19) Venous blood. 



Drtigs tvhich depress the vagus centre : Large doses of the drugs rren- 
tioned in the last list, and drugs which diminish the blood-pressure, such as 
amyl nitrite [nitroglycerin, and the nitrites. ] 

C. Drugs acting on the Accelerating Centre. — We do 

not know anything of drugs which depress this. Probably some 



DRUGS ACTING ON THE VESSELS. 59 

stimulate it, for their administration renders the pulse still more 
rapid after the vagi have been cut. 



They are — 

(i) Ammonia. 

(2) Caffeine. 

(3) Picrotoxin. 

(4) [Cactus.] 



(5) Delphinine. 

(6) Any drugs which make the 

blood venous. 



Therapeutics. — The drugs most used for their action on the 
heart are digitalis, strophanthus, [ammonium salts, sparteine], 
squill, convallaria majalis, caffeine, alcohol, ether, chloroform, 
[cactus] , strychnine, belladonna, aconite, antimony, and hydro- 
cyanic acid. The therapeutic indication for each of these drugs 
will be found given under the individual drug. 

Division IV. — Drugs acting on the Vessels. 

These are usually studied either by directly observing altera- 
tions in the size of the vessels in some thin structure, such as the 
ear of a rabbit, the mesentery, tongue, lung, web, or mylo-hyoid 
[muscle] of a frog, or the wing of a bat ; or the rate of the flow 
may be observed. This can be conveniently done by cutting 
some part, as the toe of a frog, and noticing the rate at which 
the blood flows from the cut vessels with and without the admin- 
istration of the drug to the animal. It is often necessary that an 
artificial circulation should be maintained ; for if not, it might 
be difficult to prove that the alteration in the quantity of blood 
flowing from the cut surface was not due to influences acting on 
the cardiac mechanism. In order to determine if the changes 
are due to local or central effects, it is necessary to destroy the 
spinal cord, or to cut the nerves going to the part. When a drug 
is applied locally, as to the mesentery, and the vessels alter, if the 
nerves going to the part are not cut, it is difficult to say whether 
this alteration is direct or reflex. 

Drugs are applied to the interior of vessels by injecting them 
into the circulation. 

We know that each vessel is controlled by vaso-constrictor and 
vaso -dilator nerves, and that these proceed by different paths 



6o 



PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. 



from the central nervous system, but we do not know by which 
set of nerves drugs act ; probably some by the vaso-constrictor, 
and some by the vaso-dilator. We can only classify the drugs 
into those which dilate or contract the vessels by local action, 
and those which produce these effects through their action on the 
central nervous system. When a drug acts locally we cannot 
tell whether it acts on the muscle in the wall of the vessel, or 
on the nerve terminations. 

It of course follows that drugs acting on the heart, or on a 
large area, will considerably modify the blood-pressure. 

A. Drugs acting locally on Vessels. 

Drugs which, when locally applied to vessels, dilate them : 



(16) All volatile oils, as oils of 
turpentine, and many sub- 
stances containing them, as 
mustard, [horse-radish] etc. 

(17) Senega. 

(18) Chrysarobinum. 

(19) Ipecacuanha. 

(20) Capsicum. 

(21) Croton oil. 

(22) Camphor. *— 

(23) Cantharides. 

(24) Phosphorus. 

(25) Warmth, however applied, 
but usually as a poultice. 
[This is true if its evanes- 
cent effect is desired. When 
long applied it contracts 
blood-vessels. ] 

Irritants. — All of the above, as they dilate the vessels, are often spoken 
of as vascular irritants. 



(1) Liquor Ammonise. 

(2) Silver nitrate ^ 

(3) Zinc chloride l (strong;. 

(4) Copper sulphate J 

(5) Mercuric nitrate. 

(6) Arsenous acid. 

(7) Antimony and potassium 

tartrate. 

(8) Iodine. 

(9) Chlorine. 

(10) Mineral acids (strong). 

(11) Alcohol. ^ If prevented 

(12) Ether. > from evaporat- 

(13) Chloroform, i ing. 

(14) Carbolic acid. 

(15) Creosote. 



Rubefacients are drugs which, when locally applied to the 
skin, cause it to become red because of the vascular dilatation 
induced. All the above drugs are rubefacients. 

Vesicants. — Many of these drugs are sufficiently powerful 
irritants to cause inflammation. If this goes no further than the 
exudation of plasma from the vessels, and this plasma collects 



DRUGS ACTING ON THE VESSELS. 6 1 

under the epidermis to form vesicles, the drug causing the pro- 
duction of vesicles is said to be a vesicant ; e.g., cantharides. 

Pustulants are such of the above drugs as are sufficiently 
powerful irritants to cause the inflammatory process to proceed to 
the passage of leucocytes through the walls of the capillaries. 
They collect in the vesicles, which consequently become pus- 
tules ; e.g., croton oil. 

Escharotics or caustics are the most powerful of all the 
above drugs. Their local application destroys the vitality of the 
part to which they are immediately applied, and sets up vascular 
dilatation of the surrounding area ; e.g. , strong nitric acid, zinc 
chloride, silver nitrate, and arsenous acid. 

Counter-irritants. — It has been shown by experiments on 
animals that when the vessels of the skin are dilated by the appli- 
cation of an irritant, those of the subjacent viscera are often 
reflexly altered in size. The same is probably true of man. An 
irritant is called a counter-irritant when it is applied to the skin 
with the object of altering the size of the vessels of the subjacent 
viscera. It is particularly to be remembered that the action is a 
reflex nervous one, and is in no way due to the withdrawal of 
blood into the dilated vessels of the skin. 

The following, when inhaled, dilate Peripheral vessels by acting locally on 
them : 



(i) Amyl nitrite. 

(2) [Nitroglycerin.] 

(3) Sodium nitrite. 



(4) Ethyl nitrite. 

(5) Spiritus setheris nitrosi. 

(6) Erythrol tetranitrate. 



Drugs which, taken by the mouth, dilate arterioles by acting locally on 
them : 



(1) Caffeine. 

(2) Amyl nitrite. 

(3) [Nitroglycerin.] 

(4) Sodium nitrite. 



(5) Ethyl nitrite. 

(6) Spiritus setheris nitrosi. 

(7) Erythrol tetranitrate. 

(8) Nicotine. 



Drugs which, taken by the mouth, contract arterioles by acting locally on 
them ; 

(1) Ergot. (3) Digitalis. 

(2) Caffeine (early in its action). (4) Physostigmine. 

The following have been shown by experiments in the laboratory to cause 
contraction of small arteries through which they circulate : copper, zinc, tin, 



62 



PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. 



platinum salts all cause powerful contraction. Lithium, calcium, strontium, 
magnesium, cadmium, nickel, cobalt and iron salts cause slight contraction. 

Drugs which, when locally applied to vessels, contract them : 

These may act in two ways, either by contracting the muscular 
coat of the vessels, or by coagulating the albuminous fluids 
around them, the coagulum by its contraction constricting the 
vessels. 



Those which act on the muscular coat of the vessels : 

(4) Dilute solutionsof silver salts. 

(5) Diluted sulphuric acid. 



(1) Cold, however produced ; hence 

rapidly volatilizing substances 
as ether. [This effect is but 
temporary. If cold is long 
continued it dilates blood-ves- 
sels. 

(2) Cocaine.] 

(3) Lead salts. 



(6) Alum. 

(7) Hamamelis. 

(8) [Ergot. 

(9) Hydrastis.] 

(10) Acetanilid. 

(11) [Antipyrin.] 



Those which coagulate the albuminous fluids around the vessels 



(1) Tannic acid and all sub- 
stances containing it : e.g., 
[nutgall,] krameria, kino,haem- 
atoxylon, hamamelis, cinna- 
mon, eucalyptus gum, and 
catechu. 

(2) Lead salts. 



(3) Silver salts. 

(4) Zinc salts. 

(5) Copper salts. 

(6) Alum. 

(7) Ferric salts. 

(8) Bismuth salts to a slight ex- 
tent. 



B. Drugs which act on the Vaso-motor Centres. 

Drugs which, by their action on the vaso-motor centres, dilate the vessels 

(9) Aconite. 
(10) Ipecacuanha. 



(1) Belladonna. 

(2) Stramonium. 

(3) Hyoscyamus. 

(4) Alcohol. 

(5) Ether. 

(6) Chloroform. 

(7) Chloral hydrate. 

(8) [Antimony and Potassium 

Tartrate.] 



(11) Lobelia. 

(12) Tobacco. 

(13) Veratrine. 

(14) Hydrocyanic acid. 

(15) Opium. 



Some of the substances, which in small doses contract the vessels by cen- 
tral action, in large doses dilate them ; viz., digitalis and squill. 



DRUGS ACTING ON THE VESSELS. 63 

Drugs which, by their action on vaso-motor centres, cause contraction of 
vessels : 

(7) Cocaine. 



(1) Ergot. 

(2) Digitalis. 

(3) Strophanthus. 

(4) [Sparteine.] 

(5) Squill. 

(6) Physostigmine. 



(8) Hydrastis. 

(9) Hamamelis. 

(10) Strychnine. 

(11) Lead salts. } 

(12) Ammonia / 



Also, for a very short early period of their action, some substances whose 
main action is to dilate the vessels by their central action ; viz., belladonna, 
stramonium, hyoscyamus, alcohol, ether, chloroform, hydrocyanic acid and 
veratrine. 

Astringents are drugs which diminish the size of the vessels, 
and thus decrease the amount of exudation from them. 

Styptics, or Haemostatics, are drugs which stop bleeding. 
They comprehend all astringents, especially cold, lead and 
copper salts, hamamelis, ergot, [hydrastis], tannic acid, and, 
above all, ferric salts, for they coagulate the blood which is 
flowing from the vessel, and the clot prevents further bleeding. 
Matico leaves, because of the numerous hairs on their under sur- 
face, favor coagulation of blood when locally applied to a bleed- 
ing surface. Cobwebs act in the same way. 

Therapeutics. — Drugs which locally dilate vessels are [fre- 
quently] applied to stimulate sores to heal, and to promote ab- 
sorption of inflammatory products, as seen in the application 
of iodine over joints in certain forms of joint disease; and as 
counter-irritants in many forms of disease of deep-seated organs, 
as in the application of a blister in pleurisy. Drugs which by 
their central action cause dilatation of all the vessels of the body 
are used in certain forms of heart disease, as in the use of amyl 
nitrite in angina pectoris ; and some suppose that the good they 
do is brought about by dilating the vessels, and so rendering the 
work of the heart easier. Amyl nitrite and nitroglycerin are 
much used for this purpose. Drugs causing general vascular 
dilatation are also employed to cause dilatation of the vessels 
of the skin with the object of thereby leading to an increase 
of perspiration and an increased radiation of heat. Alcohol, 



64 PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. 

Spiritus JEtheris Nitrosi, and Ipecacuanha, amongst others, are 
used in this way. 

The most important use of astringents is as styptics ; they are 
also used to check excessive discharges of all sorts, as in diarrhoea, 
leucorrhcea, etc., and in relaxed conditions of vessels, such as are 
often seen in pharyngitis. 

There is perhaps no better opportunity than this of mention- 
ing emollients and demulcents. 

Emollients are substances which soften and protect parts. 
The word is usually employed for substances applied to the skin. 

Common emollients are substances soaked in warm water, as hot fomenta- 
tions and poultices, fats of various sorts, as lard and lanolin (hydrous wool fat), 
non-irritating oils, as olive oil, spermaceti, [petrolatum,] vaseline, etc. 

Demulcents are substances which protect and soothe parts. 
They are generally applied to mucous membranes, especially 
when unduly dry, and thus they are often used for the mouth. 

Instances of them are gelatin, isinglass, glycerin, gum, honey, flaxseed, 
starch, and white of egg. 

Division V. — Drugs acting on the Skin. 

All those described in the last section act on the cutaneous 
vessels, but in addition we have — 

A. Diaphoretics, or drugs which increase the amount of 
perspiration. These may do so either by stimulating the sweat 
centres in the spinal cord, the nerves proceeding from the centres 
to the glands, the terminations of the nerves in the gland, or the 
glandular cells themselves ; or dilatation of the cutaneous vessels 
may, by the increase in the amount of blood and the greater 
warmth, stimulate the glands and lead to an increase of sweat. 
It is difficult to tell whether drugs acting on the vessels do not 
also act on the other parts of the mechanism ; and it is also diffi- 
cult to decide whether a drug acts on the gland-cells or the ter- 
mination of the nerves, so we will consider diaphoretics under 
two headings, those which act centrally and those which act pe- 
ripherally. These are differentiated by observing whether the 



DRUGS ACTING ON THE SKIN. 65 

drug acts after the spinal cord is destroyed, [or] on a part of the 
skin after the nerves going to it are cut. 

{a) Diaphoretics acting peripherally : Pilocarpine greatly increases the 
amount of sweat, acting in all probability on the nerve terminations in the 
gland- cells, but certainly not on the vessels. Nicotine also acts peripherally. 
Local applications of warmth, and alcohol taken internally perhaps act in 
the same way in addition to their vascular action. 



(b) Diaphoretics acting centrally , 

(1) Antimony salts. 

(2) Ammonium acetate. 

(3) Ammonium citrate. 



(4) Ipecacuanha. 

(5) Opium. 

(6) Camphor. 



(c) Diaphoretics whose mode of action is doubtfid : Senega, cubeb, col- 
ehicum, salicin, lobelia, arnica, aconite, potassium citrate and acetate. All 
these, except the last two, are very feeble. 

When a diaphoretic acts very powerfully it is called a Sudorific. 

B. Anhidrotics, or Antihidrotics, drugs which diminish 
the amount of perspiration. The part on which these act is de- 
termined in the same way as in the case of diaphoretics. 

(a) Anhidrotics acting peripherally : Atropine is very powerful ; it acts 
on the terminations of the r.erves in the glands ; and hyoscyamus and 
stramonium probably act in the same way. The local application of cold 
has a similar action. 

(b) Anhidrotics the mode of action of which is doubtful : 



(1) Acids. 

(2) Muscarine. 

(3) Nux vomica. 

(4) Quinine. 



(5) Picrotoxin. 

(6) Zinc salts. 

(7) Salicylic acid. 
[(8) Camphoric acid. 



Therapeutics. — Diaphoretics are used for three purposes: 
either to increase the amount of sweat because that of the urine is 
failing, and for this purpose pilocarpine is largely used ; or in the 
hope that poisons may be excreted by the sweat, hence the use 
of pilocarpine in uraemia ; or as mild antipyretics, in order to 
increase the loss of heat by increased evaporation • for this pur- 
pose alcohol, ipecacuanha, ammonium acetate, and opium were 
^ formerly much employed, but of late years much more efficient 
antipyretics have been discovered. 

5 



66 PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. 

Anhidrotics are used either for general conditions, as phthisis, 
or for local conditions, as sweating of the feet ; but they are not 
of great use in medicine. 

We do not know of an}'- drugs which will alter the composi- 
tion of the sweat, except in so far as that certain drugs may be 
excreted in the sweat when taken internally ; such are iodine, 
potassium iodide, succinic, tartaric, and benzoic acids, the last 
in the form of hippuric acid. 

We have no knowledge of the effects of drugs on the seba- 
ceous secretion. 

Certain drugs, w T hen taken internally in large doses, pro- 
duce a rash on the skin, possibly because in the course of their 
excretion through the skin they irritate it. Such are — 



(i) Copaiba. 

(2) Cubeb. 

(3) Bromides. 

(4) Iodides. 

(5) Turpentine. 

(6) Belladonna. 

(7) Chioral [hydrate.] 

(8) Opium. 

(9) Quinine. 

(10) Salicylic acid. 



(11) Arsenical Salts. 

(12) Acetanilid. 

(13) [Antipyrin.] 

(14) Phenacetin. 

(15) Chloralamide. 

(16) Antitoxins. 

(17) Serums. 

(18) Silver salts may discolor 
the skin. 

(19) [Sulphonal.] 

[The following quite rarely produce an eruption : 

(1) Iron. (6) Digitalis. 

(2) Strychnine. (7) Sulphur. 

(3) Creosoce. (8) Antimony. 

(4) Mercury. (9) Santonin. 

(5) Veratrum. I (10) Cod Liver Oil.] 

Division VI. — Substances acting on the Urinary System. 

1. Drugs increasing the quantity of urine secreted. — -These are 
called diuretics. The kidney is a double organ with two dis- 
tinct varieties of epithelium ; it is particularly wel] supplied with 
vessels and vaso-motor nerves, and is also profoundly under the 
influence of variations in the quantity of blood flowing through 
it ; hence it is, with our present state of knowledge, impossible 
to say how many diuretics act, but the following table modified, 



SUBSTANCES ACTING ON THE URINARY SYSTEM. 



6 7 



from Brunton's work, shows the various ways in which they 
probably act, many in more ways than one : 



Raise 
arterial 
pressure 



Generally 



Contract 
efferent 
vessels 



Locally 
in kidney 



Act on secreting 
nerves or renal cells 



Increased car- 
diac action 

General vas- 
cular contrac- 
tion 

[ Act on vaso- 
motor centres 



Locally on 
kidney. 



f Digitalis, 
| Caffeine, 
-{ Alcohol, 

[Strophanthus, 

Sparteine, 

Erythrophlceum,] 

Digitalis, 

Squill, 

Convallaria, 

Strychnine, 

Cold to skin. 

? same as above. 

Broom, 

Caffeine (large 

doses), 
Buchu, 
Uva ursi, 
Juniper, 
Turpentine, 
Copaiba, 
Cantharides. 



Dilate, chiefly 

locally, renal 

vessels 



Increase water excreted 



Increase water and solids 
excreted 



Caffeine, 
Urea. 



Urea, 
Caffeine, 

[Theobromine So- 
dio-salicylate, 

[ Calomel, 

f" Colchicum,] 
Liquor Potassae, 
Potassium Acetate, 
Potassium Citrate, 
Potassium Nitrate, 
Sodium Citrate and 

[ other salines. 



Therapeutics. — Diuretics are used in cardiac and pulmon- 
ary diseases when, owing to the general vascular disturbance, the 
quantity of urine falls below the normal standard. Also, in dis- 
eases in which there is excess of fluid in certain parts of the body ; 
for example, pleuritic effusion and ascites, with the object of get- 
ting rid of as much fluid as possible by the kidneys. Also, they 
may be used to dilute the urine, e.g. , when it is prone to deposit 



63 PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. 

its solids. Lastly, in certain forms of kidney disease, although 
in these maladies it is always a question how far it is desirable to 
stimulate diseased organs. It is of great importance to remem- 
ber that diuretics may act in many different ways ; that there are 
many causes for diminution in the quantity of urine secreted, 
and that it is difficult to say in any particular case what is the 
cause of the decrease in the quantity secreted. Therefore, it is 
usual to give diuretics in combination, in the hope that if one 
of them does not have the desired result another will. 

2. Drugs diminishing the quantity of urine secreted. — These 
are such as produce acute inflammation of the kidney when given 
in large doses ; e.g. , turpentine, cantharides, phosphorus. [Ex- 
algin is reputed to diminish the quantity of urine.] They are 
never given for this purpose in medicine. 

3. Drugs rendering the urine acid. — There is one drug that 
can do this, and that is benzoic acid, for in its passage through 
the kidney it is converted into hippuric acid. Benzoic acid is, 
therefore, given when from any cause the urine undergoes alka- 
line decomposition anywhere within the urinary passages. Sali- 
cylic acid will, to a slight extent, increase the acidity of the 
urine, as will very large doses of citric acid, tartaric acid [borax, 
and possibly saccharin. The free use of carbonated water also 
increases the urinary acidity (Ultzmann). Urotropin is the 
most reliable remedy to render an alkaline urine acid], 

4. Drugs which render the urine alkali?ie. — [Some] salts of 
the metals, potassium, sodium, lithium, calcium, will do 
this [e.g., the carbonates, borates and hydroxides]; even the 
tartrates, citrates, [malates, lactates,] and acetates, for they es- 
cape by the kidney as carbonates. Nitric acid is said to increase 
the amount of ammonia in the urine, and thus to render it 
slightly alkaline. Ammonium salts given internally do not 
render the urine alkaline, because they are decomposed in the 
body, urea being probably formed ; [they may even increase the 
acidity from the larger amount of nitric acid excreted.] 

Lithontriptics are drugs which prevent the decomposition, 
in the urinary passages, of the solids of the urine. If this fluid 
be acid, uric acid often crystallizes out, forming gravel or uric 



SUBSTANCES ACTING ON THE URINARY SYSTEM. 69 

acid calculus ; less often lime oxalate crystallizes, giving rise to 
lime oxalate calculus. When there is any likelihood of the for- 
mation of either of these calculi, alkalies should be given. If 
the urine is undergoing alkaline decomposition phosphates are 
liable to crystallize out. In this case the object will be to render 
the urine acid and aseptic. This will be attained by giving 
benzoic acid or benzoates, salicylic acid or the salicylates, [uro- 
tropin, or the other] urinary antiseptics. 

Therapeutics. — The chief use of alkalies is to diminish the 
acidity of the urine, so as to render the precipitation of uric acid 
unlikely ; or to render it alkaline, so as to attempt to dissolve a 
uric acid calculus. We know of no drug which will dissolve a 
lime oxalate calculus. Alkalies are also given to gouty subjects, 
partly to alkalize the blood, but also partly to alkalize the urine, 
for such persons are very prone to deposit uric acid in the urine. 
Potassium urate is much more soluble than sodium urate, and 
lithium urate is perhaps even more soluble • citrates and acetates 
are not likely to upset the digestion, consequently the drugs 
most used are the potassium and lithium citrates. Copious 
draughts of water, by diluting the urine, aid in preventing the 
deposition of uric acid or lime oxalate calculi. Natural alkaline 
waters are largely used [especially those containing lithium] . 

5. Drugs preventing the urine from decomposing. — If the urine 
is retained in the bladder by stricture or from any other cause, it 
will undergo alkaline decomposition, and the same result may be 
brought about by the admixture of pus with the urine. This is 
generally due to inflammation of the pelvis of the kidney or the 
bladder. This decomposition of the urine may be prevented by 
giving drugs which in their excretion by the urine render it asep- 
tic. Such are — 



(1) Urotropin. 

(2) Benzoic acid. 

(3) Salicylic acid. 

(4) Uva Ursi. 

(5) Copaiba. 



(6) Cubeb. 

(7) Oil of Sandal Wood. 

(8) [Saccharin,] 

(9) Many volatile oils. 
(10) Boric acid. 



6. Drugs altering the composition of the urine. — Almost any 
drug will do this, either because it is excreted in the urine, or 



JO PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. 

because it sets up some changes in the body, the products of 
which are excreted in the urine ; but here we shall only refer to 
certain striking ones. 

Turpentine, cantharides and salicylic acid in large doses will cause blood 
to appear in the urine, because they set up inflammation of the kidney. 

Potassium chlorate, all nitrites, acetanilid, pyrogallic acid, poisoning by 
the mushroom, (Helvetia esculenta) and transfusion of animal's blood, break 
up red blood- corpuscles, and the products are excreted by the urine rendering 
it dark. Large doses of mineral acids, arsenic, naphtol [and naphtalin] are 
said occasionally to produce the same result. 

Phosphorus in large doses causes leucin and tyrosin to appear in the urine, 
and the urea is greatly increased. 

The saline diuretics increase the solids of the urine. 

The chrysophanic acid in rhubarb and senna makes the urine, if it is acid, 
a brownish color ; if it is alkaline, a purplish red. Logwood renders alkaline 
urine reddish or violet. Santonin colors acid urine yellow or greenish-yellow, 
and alkaline urine, reddish. Carbolic acid, naphtalin, creosote and other 
preparations of tar, as well as the arbutin in uva ursi, [chimaphila and gaul- 
theria] make it dark greenish- brown. Picric acid makes it a bright yellow, 
and methyl violet a dark blue. The urine of persons poisoned with carbonic 
oxide remains sweet for months. 

Poisoning by carbonic oxide, [cm-are,] amyl nitrite and turpentine, and 
sometimes [chloroform, camphor,] mercury, morphine, chloral, [hydrocyanic] 
acid, sulphuric acid, alcohol, lead compounds, and salicylic acid lead to the 
appearance in the urine of a body which like su^ar reduces Fehling's copper 
solution. Some authorities state that the urine, after the administration of 
these drugs, does not contain glucose, but glycuronic acid ; for although it re- 
duces blue copper solutions, it does not undergo alcoholic fermentation on the 
addition of yeast [or give the phenyl-hydrazin test]. The administration 
of phloridzin, [a glucoside from the bark of stem and root of the apple, pear, 
plum and cherry, which, when continuously heated with dilute mineral acids, 
is resolved into glucose and phloretin], leads to the production of genuine 
glucose in the urine. 

Other drugs cause a peculiar odor in the urine ; for example, the smell of 
violets is produced by turpentine. The aromatic odor of cubeb and copaiba 
can be detected in the urine after the administration of these bodies. 

Lead, if taken for long periods, produces chronic interstitial inflammation 
of the kidney. It is stated that rarely mercury will do the same. 

7. Drugs acting on the bladder and urethra. — The only ones 
of any practical value are sedatives to the urinary tract. 

If the urine is decomposing, drugs preventing its decomposition come 



DRUGS ACTING ON THE BODILY HEAT. 7 1 

under this head. Other sedatives are opium, belladonna, hyoscyamus, 
pareira, buchu and uva ursi, which are direct sedatives to the vesical and 
urethral mucous membrane. If the urine is excessively acid, alkalies are 
urinary sedatives. 

Urinary sedatives are used very largely in cases of cystitis and urethritis, 
whatever the cause may be. Local astringent and antiseptic injections are 
also employed. 

Division VII. — Drugs acting on the Bodily Heat. 

A. Antipyretics, or Drugs which decrease the Bodily 
Temperature. — There are few if any drugs which can lower 
the temperature in health. Some, it is true, will cause the tem- 
perature to fall below normal, if given to a healthy man in large 
enough doses to induce severe collapse. The word antipyretic is 
limited to those drugs which bring down the temperature when 
it is raised owing to disease. We know that the greatest amount 
of heat is produced in the muscles, and that there is a special 
part of the corpus striatum presiding over this production ; that 
heat is lost mostly by radiation from the vessels of the skin and 
by the evaporation of sweat, and that these vessels and the sudo- 
riparous glands are under the control of the central nervous 
system. Heat is also lost through the lungs. As the produc- 
tion and loss are in health so accurately adjusted, many observers 
believe that there is a part of the cerebrum whose function is to 
maintain the balance between the production and the loss. Also, 
all parts of this complex mechanism are supplied with blood- 
vessels, alterations in the calibre of which must affect the activity 
of the parts they supply. 

There is every reason for believing that the part of the central 
nervous system which presides over the loss of heat (thermo- 
lysis), that which presides over the production of heat (ther- 
mogenesis), and that which possibly presides over the balance 
between the production and the loss (thermotaxis), can, each 
of them be influenced by afferent impulses reaching them from 
various parts of the body, and thus we see each of these three 
functions can probably be reflexly affected {see diagram on next 
page). 

Antipyretics which increase the loss of heat. — All sudorifics and 



7 2 



PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. 



all dilators of the cutaneous vessels act as antipyretics. Cold, 
such as a cold bath, increases the loss of heat by direct abstraction. 



Balance 



and Loss 

\Thermotaxis 

Cortical'.?* 



ProductL 



Ther, 




Drugs which probably diminish the production of heat. — Our 
knowledge about these is at present uncertain, but it is very 
probable that phenacetin, antipyrin, and acetanilid dimin- 



DRUGS ACTING ON THE BODILY HEAT. 73 

ish the production by their action on the corpus striatum ; and 
that quinine, salicylic acid, and salicin, also diminish the 
production ; but we do not know upon what part of the thermo- 
genetic apparatus they act. A cold bath not only abstracts heat, 
but, after it has been in operation some little time, diminishes 
the production. 

Antimony, aconite, and digitalis are probably antipyretic through their 
effect on the circulation, but precisely how they act is not known. Sometimes 
the removal of some irritation which is acting reflexly may lower the tempera- 
ture. In this way purgatives are occasionally antipyretics. 

Therapeutics. — The sole use of antipyretics is to lower the 
temperature in fever. 

Drugs which increase the loss of heat were formerly popular 
as antipyretics, especially alcohol, spirit of nitrous ether, anti- 
mony, ipecacuanha, and opium, but now they are not much used. 
Cold is more often employed, either by cold sponging, ice, or a 
cold bath. Sponging with hot water will, by the vascular dila- 
tation and subsequent sweating it induces, reduce a febrile tem- 
perature. 

Of the drugs which probably alter the production, acetanilid 
and [antipyrin] are dangerous because of the collapse they may 
produce ; quinine and salicylic acid are rather uncertain, except 
in ague and rheumatic fever respectively. [Antipyrin] and 
phenacetin are most in demand ; they are certain antipyretics. 
Phenacetin is very safe, but is less powerful. They are quickly 
absorbed, and so act promptly ; they are far more powerful anti- 
pyretics than any drugs which act by increasing the loss of heat, 
and these are very uncertain in their action, often not lowering 
the temperature at all. Another reason for preferring drugs 
which diminish thermogenesis is that it is much more rational 
to lower the temperature by decreasing the production of heat 
than by increasing the loss, for then the production will, if any- 
thing, go on faster than before, in consequence of the attempt 
to compensate for the increased loss. Antipyretics should be 
rarely given, for probably fever is often beneficial. 

B. Drugs which cause a rise of Temperature. — Bella- 



74 PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. 

donna, picrotoxin, and cocaine in poisonous doses may do this. 
How they act is not known. 

Tuberculin, various albumoses and certain animal poisons, such as that of 
shell-fish, will cause a rise of temperature. Their mode of action is unknown. 

We know of no drugs acting on thermotaxis. 

Division VIII. — Drugs acting on Respiration. 

Respiration can be modified by such very various influences 
that it is difficult to decide upon the exact mode of action of any 
drug which affects it. For example, alterations in the blood and 
in the air will modify it ; the respiratory centre itself may be 
influenced, either directly or reflexly, from almost any organ in 
the body ; or, again, the movements of the respiratory muscles 
themselves may be interfered with ; and, lastly, respiration is 
much under the influence of the circulatory apparatus. Further- 
more, the chief object in medicine is to remove the cause of the 
respiratory difficulty rather than to act upon respiration itself. 

We have already spoken of those drugs which produce changes 
in the blood and the circulation, and the consideration of those 
modifications of the temperature, moisture, and pressure of the 
air which, are of value in medicine, belongs to a book on general 
therapeutics. We will, therefore, now consider the respiratory 
drugs under the following heads : 

A. Drugs altering the Composition of the Air in- 
haled. — [This division is devoted to drugs which, inhaled, have 
some direct effect on the respiratory mucous membrane, on bron- 
chial and pulmonary contents, and have certain remote effects.] 
It is found convenient to administer some drugs, although they 
are not given for their influence on respiration, by making the 
patient inhale them ; sucji are anaesthetics and amyl nitrite. 

Some drugs when inhaled are particularly irritating to the 
bronchial mucous membrane, causing dilatation of the vessels, 
increased secretion, and reflexly, cough from the stimulation of 
the sensory nerves of the bronchial mucous membrane. 

Such are cold dry air, iodine, bromine, chlorine, senega, ipecacuanha, 



DRUGS ACTING ON RESPIRATION. 75 

sulphurous anhydride, nitric acid fumes, ammonia, and tobacco. These are 
rarely used therapeutically as inhalations, and their inhalation is to be particu- 
larly avoided in irritable conditions of the bronchi. 

The drugs which, when inhaled, are soothing to the bron- 
chial mucous membrane, [but] are rarely employed, are — 

Hydrocyanic acid. Conium. 

Inhalations which are used to stimulate the bronchi, that 
is to say, to increase their vascularity, secretion, and muscular 
power, are — 



(i) Carbolic acid^> 

/ n r\-i r ■ * VTIT.XX.; TI.20 C.C.I 

(2) Oil of cajuput ) ' L J 

(3) Oleum pini sylvestris, rri,xxx. ; 

[2.00 c.c] 



(4) Tinctura ben- -, 
zoini composita, { 

(5) Creosote, U^ss.; [15 c.c] 

(6) Oil of cubeb. J 



The amounts given after each are the quantities that should be added to a 
pint [500 c.c] of water at 140 F. ; [6o° C. ] 

Inhalations which are used to disinfect foul secretions 
from the bronchial mucous membrane are those of — 



(1) Creosote. 

(2) Iodoform. 

(3) Mild solutions of benzoin. 

(4) Carbolic acid. 



(5) Sulphurous anhydride. 

(6) Oil of juniper. 

(7) Oil of cubeb. 

(8) [Oil of eucalyptus.] 



Inhalations for relieving spasm of the bronchial tubes are 
those of — 



(1) Conium. 

(2) Stramonium. 

(3) Chloroform. 



(4) Ether. 

(5) Amyl nitrite. 



B. Drugs acting on the Respiratory Centre. — If the 

drug, when injected into the carotid artery, very quickly produces 
its effect on respiration, it is concluded that it acts on the res- 
piratory centre. Another experiment often used to determine 
whether the drug acts on the centre, or on the vagal terminations 
in the lung, is to cut the vagi and to observe whether it acts sim- 
ilarlv before and after the section. 



y6 PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. 

Drugs which directly stimulate the respiratory centre are — 



(i) Strychnine. 

(2) Ammonia (very powerful' 

(3) Apomorphine. 



(4) Belladonna. 

(5) Stramonium. 

(6) Hyoscyamus. 



Drugs which depress the respiratory centre are — 



(1) Physostigmine (very pow- 

erful). 

(2) Chloral [hydrate.] 

(3) Chloroform. 

(4) Ether. 

(5) Alcohol. 

(6) Opium. 

(7) Hydrocyanic acid. 

(8) Codeine. 



(9) Aconite. 

(10) Veratrine. 

(11) Conium. 

(12) Caffeine. 

(13) Quinine. 

(14) Ipecacuanha. 

(15) Antimony salts (very 

weak). 



Alcohol, ether, chloroform, caffeine, and quinine slightly excite, before 
they depress [the respiratory centre]. 

Therapeutics. — The drugs which excite the respiratory cen- 
tre may be used when there is any difficulty in respiration, espe- 
cially with the view of increasing the force of the respiratory act 
whilst other means are employed to get rid of the cause of the 
difficulty. They are, of course, most frequently required in dis- 
eases of the lungs, especially bronchitis. Ammonia and apomor- 
phine are often employed, as they are also powerful expectorants ; 
and belladonna is useful when there is too much secretion from 
the bronchial tubes. 

Substances which depress the respiratory centre are very little 
needed for this action ; but the centre for the reflex act of cough- 
ing is in the close neighborhood of the respiratory centre, and 
opium, hydrocyanic acid, codeine, conium, and ipecac- 
uanha are often very valuable in allaying the continual hacking 
cough which so frequently accompanies disease of the heart and 
lungs. 

The drugs which relieve cough are very numerous, for it may 
be reflexly set up by irritation of so many peripheral parts, viz., 
nose, throat, pharynx, ear, teeth, larynx, trachea, bronchi, lungs, 
pleura, stomach, and liver ; and consequently its removal may 



DRUGS ACTING OX RESPIRATION. J J 

depend upon the removal of peripheral irritation in any of those 
organs. 

C. Drugs affecting the Bronchial Secretion. 

(a) Those increasing it : 



(i) [Apomorphine.] 

(2) All alkalies, especially am- 

monium carbonate and 
other salts. 

(3) [Cocillana.] 

(4) Ipecacuanha. 

(5) Senega 

(6) Squill. 

7 Turpentine. 
(8) [Terebene.] 



(9) Camphor. 
(10) Benzoin. 
(n) Balsam of Peru. 

(12) " " Tolu. 

(13) Antimony salts. 

(14) Sulphur. 

(15) Iodine. 

(16) Tobacco. 

(17) Pilocarpus. 

(18) Many volatile oils. 



[It is probable that volatile oils and substances containing them decrease 
the amount of bronchial secretion as a later effect]. 

{b) Those decreasing it : 

(1) Acids. (3) Stramonium. 

(2) Belladonna. (4) Hyoscyamus. 

Many authorities think that under some circumstances alkalies decrease the 
secretion. 

(c) Those disinfecting it: — Drugs which, when inhaled, act in this way 
have already been mentioned. Copaiba, cubeb, [eucalyptus, ] and many vola- 
tile oils are excreted partly by the bronchial mucous membrane, and thus will 
disinfect the secretion. 

Therapeutics. — In bronchitis, remedies which increase the 
secretion are used when it is so viscid that it sticks to the tubes 
and cannot be coughed up ; and those w r hich decrease it are 
employed when it is too watery to be easily expectorated. The 
use of the disinfectants is obvious. 

D. Drugs. relaxing spasm of the Muscular Coat of 
the Bronchial Tubes, or Antispasmodics. — It is believed 
that [the symptom] asthma is due to a spasmodic contraction of 
the bronchial tubes, and as — 



(1) Stramonium. 

(2) Belladonna. 

131 Hyoscyamus. 



(4) Grindelia. 

(5) [Aspidosperma.] 



relieve [this symptom], it is concluded that these drugs relax 



?8 PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. 

spasm of the muscular coat of the bronchial tubes. Stramonium 
is the most powerful. It is very likely, judging by their anal- 
ogous action in other parts of the body, that the following drugs 
act in the same way : 

Chloroform, ether, opium, chloral [hydrate], cannabis indica, amyl nitrite, 
and conium. 

Therapeutics. — Stramonium is of great use [for relief of the 
symptom] asthma, and this and the other drugs may be employed 
for cases of bronchitis in which it is probable that the irritation 
caused by the inflammation of the tubes sets up spasm of them. 
Many of these muscular depressants in all probability depress the 
nerves at the same time. 

E. Drugs acting on the Vessels of the Bronchi. — 
These are the same as have been already described (p. 56) as 
acting on the vascular system generally. 

F. Expectorants. — The modes of action of drugs acting 
on the respiratory system are so complex that it is usual to regard 
most of them clinically, simply as drugs which hinder or aid the 
expectoration of the contents of the bronchial tubes. Those 
which aid it are divided into two groups, named after their 
action, not on the lungs, but on the circulation. 

I. Stimulating expectorants. — These are stimulants to the circulation gen- 
erally. They are — 



(1) Acids. 

(2) Ammonium salts. 

(3) [Cocillana.] 

(4) Senega. 

(5) Squill. 

(6) Benzoin. 

(7) Benzoic acid. 

(8) Balsam of Tolu. 



(9) Balsam of Peru. 

(10) Turpentine preparations. 

(11) Terebene. 

(12) Oleum Pini Sylvestris. 

(13) Nux Vomica. 

(14) Sulphur. 

(15) Quillaja. 



2. Depressing expectorants. — These depress the general circulation. 
They are — 

(1) Alkalies. 



(2) Antimony salts. 

(3) Ipecacuanha. 

(4) Lobelia. 



(5) Pilocarpus. 

(6) Apomorphine. 

(7) Potassium Iodide. 



DRUGS ACTING OX THE DIGESTIVE APPARATUS. /9 

Therapeutics. — It is almost impossible to lay down any gen- 
eral directions. The prescriber must consider in any case before 
him whether he wishes to stimulate or to depress the circulation, 
to increase or to diminish or to disinfect the expectoration, to 
stimulate the respiratory centre, to overcome spasm of the bron- 
chial tubes, or to allay a hacking cough ; and he must combine 
his remedies according to the answer he makes to these ques- 
tions. Warmth to the chest and warm drinks are sedative, and 
increase the amount of secretion. Cold and cold drinks have an 
opposite effect. 

G. Drugs which in Man sometimes produce Cheyne- 
Stokes Breathing. — These are morphine, potassium bromide, 
and chloral hydrate. In animals the following in addition may 
do it : picrotoxin, muscarine, digitalin, strychnine and ammo- 
nium carbonate. 

Division IX. — Drugs acting on the Digestive Apparatus. 

A. Drugs acting on the Teeth. — Soaps and powders are 
used for cleaning the teeth. The basis of most tooth powders 
is chalk, which acts mechanically ; charcoal is sometimes used in 
the same way. As the food is very liable to collect and decom- 
pose between the teeth, antiseptics, as quinine, borax and car- 
bolic acid, are often mixed with tooth powders. Astringents 
such as [krameria] are employed if the gums are too vascular. 
Mineral acids and alum are injurious to the teeth if used for a 
long time, and iron is liable to stain them ; therefore these sub- 
stances are best taken through a [glass tube,] and should not be 
used as gargles for long [periods.] 

Toothache may be relieved by local anodynes, as creosote, or 
[pure] carbolic acid. The tooth is plugged with [absorbent] 
cotton soaked in one of these. A piece of clean cotton must be 
placed over the carbolized cotton to prevent the carbolic acid 
from reaching the mouth. This method may damage the tooth- 
pulp. 

B. Drugs acting on the Salivary Gland. — Much atten- 
tion has been devoted to the submaxillary gland of the dog, and 
there is no reason for supposing that the other salivary glands 



8o PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. 

of that animal or of other creatures, differ markedly from it. We 
know that the submaxillary gland is under the influence of the 
chorda tympani nerve, which contains vaso-dilator fibres, and 
also some which directly modify the secretion of the gland apart 
from the secondary effects, due to the alterations in the vessels, 
obtained when the chorda tympani is stimulated. This nerve 
has its centre in the medulla, and is capable of being excited re- 
flexly by stimulation of many nerves, even the sciatic, but espe- 
cially by stimulation of the gastric branches of the vagus, and 
by the terminations in the tongue and mouth of the glosso- 
pharyngeal and gustatory nerves. The gland is also supplied 
with sympathetic branches which proceed from the cervical 
sympathetic trunk ; these are vaso-constrictor, and can also 
modify the quality of the secretion ; but we do not know so 
much about them as we do about the chorda tympani. Drugs 
which increase the amount of saliva have been called sia- 
logogues ; those which decrease it, anti-sialogogues. It is 
clear that there are very many ways in which each of these might 
act, but here it will suffice to enumerate only those ways in which 
they are known to act. 

i . Sialogogues acting either on the secretory cells or upon the 
terminations of the nei'ves in them. — Of these [pilocarpus] has 
been most studied, and by means of the experiments it has been 
proved to act either on the cells themselves or the terminations 
of the nerves in them. It acts equally well after section of all 
the nerves going to the gland. It acts when it is injected directly 
into the gland, but is prevented from reaching the general cir- 
culation. If it has been given, stimulation of the chorda or of 
the sympathetic produces no more effect on the amount of secre- 
tion than can be easily explained by the vascular effects. 



Sialogogues falling under this heading are- 

(i) Pilocarpus. 

(2) Muscarine. 

(3) Iodine compounds. 



(4) Mercury. 

(5) Nicotine. 

(6) Physostigmine. 



The last two probably act also by stimulating the centre in the medulla, 
for section of the chorda tympani decidedly lessens the secretion caused by 



DRUGS ACTING ON THE DIGESTIVE APPARATUS. 8 1 

them. Physostigmine soon ceases to cause an increase of the secretion, for it 
tightly contracts the vessels of the gland. 

2. Sialogogues acting reflexly by stimulating the peripheral ends 
of afferent nerves. — Of these there are two important varieties : 

(a) Those stimulating the gustatory and glosso-pharyngeal nerves in the 
mouth : 



(1) All Acids and 

(2) Acid Salts. 

(3) Chloroform. 

(4) Alcohol. 



(5) Ether. 

(6) All pungent substances, as 

mustard, ginger, etc. 



(3) Those stimulating the vagus in the stomach : 

Most emetics, especially Antimony and Ipecacuanha. 

3. Anti-sialogogues acting either on the secreting celts or the 
terminations of the nerves in them. — Of these atropine has been 
most studied, and it is proved to act directly on the gland by the 
fact that the administration of it prevents any increase of salivary 
secretion on stimulation of the chorda, although the vessels dilate 
as usual. It is highly probable that it acts upon the nerve ter- 
minations, because, even after considerable doses, quite para- 
lyzing the secretion of chorda tympani saliva, stimulation of the 
sympathetic will still induce secretion. 

Anti-sialogogues falling under this heading are — 

(1) Belladonna. (3) Stramonium, and 

(2) Hyoscyamus. (4) Nicotine in excess. 

4. Anti-sialogogues acting reflexly by depressing the peripheral 
ends of afferent nerves. — Alkalies, opium, and any substances 
which allay irritation of the mouth. Part of the effect of opium 
is due to its depressing action on the medullary centre. 

Therapeutics. — A deficiency in the amount of saliva 
secreted is seen most markedly in fever, when the mouth becomes 
very dry, and the patient complains of thirst. Sometimes it is a 
disease in itself, and the origin of this malady is then probably 
nervous. It is a prominent symptom of belladonna poisoning. 
In fever, acid drinks, especially those containing carbon dioxide 
gas, lemonade, etc., are of use as sialogogues. Drinks which 

6 



82 PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. 

relieve this febrile thirst are called Refrigerants. For [the con- 
dition known as] " dry mouth ' ' [pilocarpus] has been used, and 
it will relieve the dryness due to belladonna poisoning. Excessive 
salivary secretion is hardly met with except as a symptom of poi- 
soning, especially by mercury, [iodine or pilocarpus] . In some 
forms of indigestion the saliva has a very unpleasant taste, and 
may even be diminished in quantity, but then the indication is to 
treat the indigestion. 

C. Drugs acting on the Stomach. — Strictly speaking, 
we ought to consider these under the following heads : («) . Those 
drugs which, by modifying the secretion of hydrochloric acid or 
pepsin, influence the conversion of proteids into peptones and 
albumoses. (£). Those which influence the property possessed 
by the gastric juice of curdling milk. (V). Those which affect 
its antiseptic power by modifying the secretion of acid. (d). 
Those which modify the secretion of mucus. (<?). Those which 
influence the nerves, the vessels, or the movements of the stom- 
ach. (/). Lastly, those which are emetics. Our knowledge, 
however, is not sufficient to enable us to do this, and the most 
useful classification is into those affecting the secretion of gastric 
juice as a whole, the secreted contents, the vessels, the nerves, 
the movements, and emetics. 

i. Drugs increasing the amount of gastric juice secreted. — 
These are usually called Stomachics, and include a great many 
substances. Stimulants to the mouth reflexly increase the secre- 
tion of gastric juice ; all bitter and aromatic substances act in 
this way, and they also increase the appetite. The mere presence 
of food in the stomach stimulates the gastric flow. Probably 
aromatics and bitters act also on the stomach itself. 

The drugs which increase the flow of gastric juice are — 



(i) Aromatics. 

(2) Bitters. 

(3j All alkalies (especially potas- 
sium and sodium bicarbon- 
ates, and Spiritus Ammonite 
Aromaticus). 

(4) Alcohol. 



(5) Ether. 

(6) Chloroform. 

(7) Magnesia. 

(8) Magnesium carbonate. 

(9) Pungent substances (pep- 

per, mustard, horse-radish). 



DRUGS ACTING ON THE DIGESTIVE APPARATUS. 83 

Therapeutics. — Stomachics are very largely used for the 
purpose of increasing the secretion of gastric juice in cases of 
dyspepsia. 

2. Drugs decreasing the amount of gastric juice secreted. 



(1) Mineral acids. 

(2) Acetic acid. 



(3) Many of those in the last list if 
given in large doses, e.g. , 
alcohol, ether and chloroform. 



Therapeutics. — These drugs are never employed for this 
effect. It is particularly to be observed that while alkalies 
increase the secretion of the gastric juice, which is acid, they 
diminish that of the saliva, which is alkaline ; but acids increase 
the secretion of the alkaline saliva, but diminish that of the acid 
gastric juice. 

3. Drugs altering the composition of the gastric contents. — 
Acids and alkalies naturally modify the reaction of the gastric 
contents. For this purpose diluted mineral acids are often pre- 
scribed to be taken about two hours after a meal, in cases in 
which the cause of indigestion is thought to be that the amount 
of hydrochloric acid secreted is deficient. If the acid were given 
at meal-time it would prevent the secretion of the natural acid ; 
but by giving it after the meal, when all the acid that the gastric 
juice is capable of forming has been secreted, the drug carries 
on the act of digestion. In case of indigestion in which, from 
the nature of vomited matters or from any other reason, it is con- 
sidered that there is an excess of acid in the stomach, alkalies are 
given at meal-times, the favorite drug being sodium bicarbonate. 

Pepsin is given, usually in combination with diluted hydro- 
chloric acid, when it is probable that the cause of the indigestion 
is the secretion of too small an amount of pepsin ; but in this, 
as in every other variety of dyspepsia, it is far more important 
to remove the cause of indigestion than to endeavor to modify 
the composition of the secreted gastric juice. 

Many attempts have been made to try, by the administration 
of antiseptics, to prevent fermentation and putrefaction from 
going on in the stomach, but with a limited success, for a suffi- 
cient dose of any antiseptic [may be] frequently deleterious. 



84 PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. 

Here, even more than in the last case, the right treatment is to 
remove the cause of the putrefaction. 

Drugs that have been used for this purpose are — 

(1) Carbolic acid. (8) [Salicin. 

(2) Iodoform. (9) Bismuth salicylate.] 

(3) Boric acid. (10) Salol. 

(4) Creosote. (11) Sodium hyposulphite. 

(5) Eucalyptus. (12) Sodium sulpho-carbolate. 

(6) Thymol. (13) Sulphurous Anhydride. 

(7) [Resorcin.] (14) Naphtol. 

Charcoal has been employed, but when it is moist it is useless. 

4. Drugs which dilate the vessels of the stomach. — The vessels 
of the stomach are very sensitive to irritation. They easily dilate 
upon mechanical irritation, and the presence of food, especially 
peptones, causes the vascularity of the mucous membrane to in- 
crease. Within limits greater vascularity is an advantage, for it 
not only favors the secretion of gastric juice, but it facilitates 
absorption. 

The substances which increase the vascularity of the stomach 
are all stomachics (except alkalies), diluted mineral acids, the 
drugs which have been already enumerated as irritants generally, 
and squill, digitalis, colchicum, senega, copaiba, gamboge, guai- 
acum, and veratrine. This is a very long list, and many of the 
substances in it are never employed for their irritant effect ; in 
fact, the only ones in common use are the stomachics ; the others 
are far too powerful ; even small doses of them set up inflammation 
of the gastric wall, which is also produced by over indulgence in 
stomachics, as we constantly see in the gastritis induced by alco- 
hol. The therapeutic indications for this class of drugs are the 
same as those for stomachics generally. 

Gastro-intestinal irritants. — In describing the individual ac- 
tions of drugs the statement is frequently made that they are 
gastro-intestinal irritants, and this is a convenient opportunity 
for describing the symptoms produced in health by these drugs. 
If the drug has a caustic action, as many gastro-intestinal irri- 
tants have, the swallowing of it will cause considerable pain in 



DRUGS ACTING ON THE DIGESTIVE APPARATUS. 85 

the mouth and pharynx ; in a short time these parts will become 
severely inflamed, and consequently very much reddened, swol- 
len and painful, The tongue will be often much enlarged. If 
the drug is corrosive, sloughs, generally white in color at first, 
with a severely inflamed area around them, will be seen ; as they 
fall off they will leave ulcers. Owing to the pain and swelling, 
it will for some time be impossible to take any food, or at the 
best only that of a soft or fluid nature. Directly [after] the 
drug reaches the stomach, intense irritation is set up ; conse- 
quently the patient feels severe abdominal pain, and there is vio- 
lent retching and vomiting. As the poison passes on, it pro- 
duces its severe irritant effects on the intestine, and diarrhoea 
sets in. Both the vomited matters and the motions often con- 
tain blood. The general symptoms are an anxious countenance, 
small feeble pulse, scanty urine, a low temperature, and all the 
symptoms of collapse. Later on, the gastro-intestinal irritation 
may be severe enough to set up general peritonitis, or a gastric 
ulcer may form, and then there may be added to the case all the 
symptoms of gastric ulcer and its sequelae. The inflammation 
of the oesophagus may lead to its contraction. At the post- 
mortem examination, if the patient has died soon after the ad- 
ministration of the poison, the stomach will be very red and 
ecchymosed, with a swollen mucous membrane. Parts of the 
intestine will be in the same condition. This severe inflamma- 
tion may, in many places, have led to the formation of sloughs. 
It must be remembered that many gastro-intestinal irritants have 
no action on the mouth. 

5. Drugs which contract the gastric vessels. — These are the 
same as those which have already been enumerated as being 
generally astringent. They are much used, more for the intestine 
than the stomach, and will therefore be considered in detail 
presently. (See p. 95.) 

6. Drugs acting on the nerves of the stomach. — All drugs 
powerfully irritant to the stomach cause pain in it ; those that 
are only slightly irritant give rise to a sensation of warmth. It 
is never desired to produce gastric pain. 

Gastric sedatives. — These drugs are the same as those which 



86 PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. 

are local sedatives to other parts of the body. Those most used 
for the stomach are — 



(i) Bismuth subcarbonate. 

(2) Bismuth subnitrate. 

(3) Bismuth salicylate. 

(4) Opium. 

(5) Hydrocyanic acid. 



(6) Carbon [dioxide.] 

(7) Ice. 

(8) Belladonna. 

(9) Hyoscyamus. 
(10) Stramonium. 



They are employed in the very many painful forms of dyspepsia. 

All, except perhaps stramonium, are in frequent use. 

7. Drugs acting on the movements of the stomach. — It has been 
observed that the movements of the stomach increase as the acidity 
of the contents increases. If it be that the acidity is the cause 
of the movements, anything which causes an increase of acidity 
will lead to more powerful movements. Apart from this, strych- 
nine appears directly to stimulate the [unstriped] muscle of the 
gastric wall. Stomachics also probably aid the movements, so 
that our complete list will be mineral acids, nux vomica, and the 
stomachics. 

The proper churning up of the gastric contents is so necessary, 
that the value in dyspepsia, of drugs which aid the gastric move- 
ments, is very great. Hence the frequency with which nux 
vomica enters into anti-dyspeptic acid mixtures. 

Carminatives. — This term is often applied to substances which 
aid the expulsion of gas from the stomach and intestines. They 
act by stimulating the gastric and intestinal movements. It has 
been found from clinical observation that the most efficient car- 
minatives are — 



(1) Stomachics generally, espe- 

cially — 

(2) Aromatics, 

(3) Bitters, 

(4) Pungent substances, 



(5) Asafcetida, 

(6) Ammoniacum, 

(7) Valerian, 

(8) Camphor and 

(9) Volatile oils. 



8. Emetics. — It is well known that the many complicated 
mechanisms involved in the act of vomiting are under the con- 
trol of a centre in the medulla, which is capable of being stimu- 
lated by afferent impulses reaching it from many sources, such as 



DRUGS ACTING ON THE DIGESTIVE APPARATUS. Sy 

the cerebrum, as when sights or smells cause sickness, the mouth, 
the pharynx, the oesophagus, the lungs, the heart, the stomach, 
the intestines, the biliary passages, the kidney, the peritoneum, 
and the uterus ; so that the drugs acting on any of these organs, 
or on the centre itself, might be emetics. But it is usual, in 
describing drugs which cause vomiting, to mention only those 
which do so either by acting on the stomach or on the centre in 
the medulla, and they are divided into two corresponding classes. 
Those acting on the stomach are sometimes called direct emetics, 
because they act directly on the stomach ; and those influencing 
the medulla are called indirect ; but some authors reserve the 
word direct for those acting on the medulla, and speak of those 
affecting the stomach as indirect. Considering this confusion, 
it is better to divide emetics into gastric and central. By means 
of the following experiments we determine to which group any 
drug belongs : 

(i) The emetic is injected directly into the circulation. If 
very shortly after this vomiting takes place, the drug must have 
acted on the medulla, to which it has been carried by the circu- 
lation ; but if some time elapses we conclude it acted on the 
stomach, and that it was first excreted into this organ before 
vomiting took place. This experiment may be made still more 
striking by injecting directly into the carotid, for then the 
medulla is quickly reached. 

(2) If the least quantity of the drug which, when injected 
into the circulation, will produce vomiting is larger than is neces- 
sary when it is introduced directly into the stomach, the infer- 
ence is that the drug acts primarily on the stomach, and that 
when it produces vomiting after injection into the circulation it 
only does so because some of it has been excreted into the 
stomach. 

(3) If the drug will not produce vomiting after injection into 
the circulation when the stomach is replaced by a bladder, it 
shows that it acted directly on the stomach ; but if vomiting is 
produced it shows that the drug acted on the medulla, and that 
the vomiting is caused by the contraction of the abdominal 
muscles. 



55 PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. 

(4) If the drug takes a long while to act after its introduction 
into the stomach, it probably acts centrally ; and the reason for 
the delay is that sufficient time must elapse for the drug to be 
absorbed. 

In spite of these experiments it is difficult to be sure about 
the action of emetics, for some act in both ways, and some may, 
in the course of their circulation through the blood, act upon 
some of the many parts of the body from which the vomiting 
centre receives afferent impulses. 

The following is a list of those emetics which are commonly used. 
Emetics acting on the stomach : 



(1) [Yellow mercuric subsul- 

phate.] 

(2) Alum. 

(3) Ammonium carbonate. 

(4) Copper sulphate. 

Of these zinc and copper sulphate act slightly on the medulla 



(5) Zinc sulphate. 

(6) Sodium chloride. 

(7) Mustard. 

(8) Warm water. 



Emetics acting on the medullary centre 

(1) Apomorphine. 

(2) Tartar emetic. 

(3) Ipecacuanha. 



(4) Senega. 

(5) Squill. 



Of these tartar emetic and ipecacuanha act partly on the stomach. The 
first three are very powerful emetics, and are much more depressant in their 
action than the gastric emetics. 



Therapeutics. — Emetics have two uses. Firstly, to remove 
the contents of the stomach. Thus when that organ is over-full, 
and there is a feeling of nausea, an emetic by emptying the 
stomach may relieve. Emetics are largely used to empty the 
stomach in cases of poisoning, and they may benefit certain 
cases of sick headache. An emetic occasionally aids the expul- 
sion of a foreign body which has become impacted in the fauces 
or oesophagus. . Secondly, emetics are used to expel the contents 
of the air-passages, especially in children, for they cannot expec- 
torate well. For this purpose these drugs are given to help chil- 
dren to expel the morbid products in bronchitis, laryngitis, and 



DRUGS ACTING ON THE DIGESTIVE APPARATUS. 



3 9 



diphtheria. They also aid the expulsion of foreign bodies that 
have become impacted in the larynx. In choosing an emetic it 
will be remembered that although apomorphine, ipecacuanha, 
and tartar emetic are the most powerful they are the most 
depressant, and are therefore not suitable in many cases — such, 
for instance, as poisoning accompanied by severe collapse. When 
the poison is a powerful gastro -intestinal irritant, if the condi- 
tion of the mouth and oesophagus will allow of it, it is preferable 
to wash out the stomach rather than to use an emetic. 

Emetics are not permissible for patients suffering from 
aneurism, hernia, prolapse of uterus or rectum, peritonitis, or a 
tendency to haemorrhage, because of the straining induced by 
the vomiting, which should make us cautious in giving them to 
those who have disease of their vessels or high tension in them, 
for the straining may lead to haemorrhage. 

9. Anti-emetics. — The causes of vomiting are so numerous that 
the number of drugs which may stop vomiting is very large ; 
therefore, as in the case of emetics, we can only consider those 
which act either on the stomach or on the centre in the medulla. 

Anti-emetics acting on the stomach. — These are all those sub- 
stances which have been already enumerated as having a seda- 
tive influence on the gastric nerves, viz. : 



(1) Ice. 

(2) Bismuth subcarbonate. 

(3) Bismuth subnitrate. 



(4) Opium. 

(5) Hydrocyanic acid. 

(6) Carbon dioxide. 



Also some drugs which occasionally appear to have a specific local action 
in arresting vomiting ; such are: 



(1) Cocaine. 


(7) Alcohol. 


(2) Cerium oxalate. 


(8) Carbolic acid. 


(3) [Menthol.] 


(9) Chloroform. 


(4) Wine of ipecac. ^ In 

(5) Tincture of iodine. \ minute 

(6) Arsenous acid. J doses. 


(10) Creosote. 


(11) Ether. 


(12) Silver nitrate. 




(13) The sulphocar 




bolates. 



In 

small 
doses. 



gO PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. 



Anti-emetics acting centrally- 

(i) Opium. 

(2) Ammonium, 

(3) Potassium, and 

(4) Sodium bromides. 

(5) Chloral hydrate. 
It will be noticed that some drugs fall under both headings 



(6) Amyl nitrite. 

(7) Nitroglycerin. 

(8) Diluted hydrocyanic acid. 

(9) Alcohol. 



Therapeutics. — The very name of these drugs indicates 
their therapeutical application. At the best they are only pallia- 
tive ; the right way to treat vomiting is, if possible, to remove 
the cause. Of anti-emetics, ice, diluted hydrocyanic acid, car- 
bon dioxide, bismuth salts, morphine, [menthol] and iodine are 
perhaps the most reliable, but all are very uncertain. 

D. Drugs acting on the intestines. — Many secretions 
are poured into the intestine, the food is much altered by the 
time it arrives there, and it is changed in its course down the 
intestine ; the physiology of intestinal digestion, of the move- 
ments and the nervous mechanism of the intestine are imper- 
fectly known ; drugs may be considerably altered by the time 
they come to this part of the alimentary canal, and its diseases 
are little understood ; consequently we cannot arrange the action 
of drugs in a physiological classification. We know, in fact, 
of only [three] important divisions : purgatives, [antiseptics] 
and astringents. 

The methods of experiments which have been used to deter- 
mine the mode of action of purgatives are chiefly those of Thiry 
and Moreau. The first-named observer cut the intestine across 
in two places a short distance apart ; the isolated part which was 
still attached to the mesentery was sewn up at one end ; the 
other, the open end, was attached to the abdominal wall, and 
thus there was a test-tube-like piece of intestine into which drugs 
could be placed. The parts of intestine, on either side of the 
excised piece, were sewn together, so that the whole intestine 
was the same as before, but a little shorter. This method did 
not give very satisfactory results, and consequently Moreau de- 
vised his experiments, which seem more trustworthy. He put 
four ligatures around the intestine at equal distances apart, so 



DRUGS ACTING ON THE DIGESTIVE APPARATUS. 9 1 

that he shut off from the rest of the [intestine] and from each 
other three pieces of intestine, each of the same length. With 
a fine syringe he injected into the middle piece the drug to be 
experimented upon, and returned the whole into the abdominal 
cavity. In a few hours the animal was killed, and the state of the 
interior of the middle piece was contrasted with that of the pieces 
either side of it. Before Moreau's experiments there had been 
much discussion as to whether some purgatives did not act only 
by increasing the action of the muscular coat, and others only by 
stimulating the secretions, but from these experiments it appears 
that probably the majority act in both ways, some very slightly 
on the secretion and powerfully on the muscle, and others 
slightly on the muscle and powerfully on the secretion. We will 
first consider intestinal purgatives, [then intestinal antiseptics] 
and [finally] intestinal astringents. 

Purgatives are divided into the following classes. 

Laxatives. — These are substances which slightly increase the 
action of the bowels chiefly by stimulating their muscular coat. 



They are — 

(1) Whole meal bread. 

(2) Honey. 

(3) Treacle. 

(4) Most fruits, especially — 

(5) Tamarind, 

(6) Fig, 

(7) Prune, and 



(8) Stewed apples. 

(9) Manna. 

(10) Cassia [Fistula]. 

(11) Sulphur. 

(12) Magnesia. 

(13) Olive oil. 

(14) Castor oil (small doses). 



These are all domestic remedies employed for slight cases of 
constipation, especially in children ; some, as brown bread, 
fruits, honey, form articles of diet with persons who are liable 
to constipation. [Ergot, physostigma, nux vomica, belladonna, 
hyoscyamus, and stramonium are also laxatives, but are not used 
except under medical orders.] Nux vomica is most valuable ; 
it is probably a direct stimulant to the muscular coat, hardly in- 
fluencing secretion. It is largely used in cases of chronic con- 
stipation, especially when occurring in anaemic persons, or in 
those in whom, for any reason, it is likely that the intestinal 
peristalsis is feeble. 



92 PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. 

Belladonna in small doses increases peristaltic movements 
because it paralyzes the inhibitory fibres of the splanchnics, but 
in moderate doses it completely arrests peristaltic movements. 
It is chiefly employed for this latter purpose, especially in com- 
bination with opium. Hyoscyamus acts on the intestines in the 
same way, and small doses of it are often given with other pur- 
gatives to prevent griping, for it gives an orderly rhythm to the 
irregular contractions which the stronger purgatives produce. 

Ergot and physostigma are hardly ever used for their laxative 
effect. [Ergot, however, so often produces diarrhoea that its 
purgative action should be kept in mind.] 

Simple purgatives. — These are rather more powerful in their 
action than laxatives. They stimulate peristalsis and also increase 
secretion. Some of the laxatives, as castor oil and magnesia, 
when given in large doses become simple purgatives. 



The simple purgatives are — 

(i) Aloes. 

(2) Rhubarb. 

(3) Rhamnus Frangula. 



(4) [Rhamnus Purshiana.] 

(5) Senna. 

(6) Fel Bovis. 



These are all in common use. The indications for each will 
be given under the individual drug. 

Drastic purgatives, often called cathartics. — These excite 
greatly increased secretion and peristaltic movements, and if 
given in large doses cause severe irritation of the intestine, with 
much secretion of mucus, great vascular dilatation, and even 
haemorrhage, severe abdominal pain and collapse, with profuse 
diarrhoea. The peristaltic contractions are often irregular, and 
hence there may be much griping pain • therefore it is usual to 
prescribe hyoscyamus with these drugs, which are in order of 
efficiency — 



(1) Calomel. 

(2) Podophyllum. 

(3) [Leptandra.] 

(4) Aloes. 

(5) Jalap. 

(6) Scammony. 



(7) Gamboge. 

(8) Oleum Terebinthinae. 

(9) Colocynth. 
(10) Elaterium. 
(n) Croton oil. 



DRUGS ACTING ON THE DIGESTIVE APPARATUS. 



93 



The most powerful are placed last. Some, as jalap, elaterium, scammony, 
are often called hydragogue, because of the large amount of secretion they 
excite. 



Therapeutics. — Drastic purgatives are employed in obsti- 
nate constipation, and also to produce very watery evacuations 
with the object of removing as much fluid from the body as pos- 
sible. Hence the frequent use of jalap in Bright' s disease. 

Saline purgatives. — The action of these is obscure, but it 
seems certain that they very greatly increase the secretion of 
intestinal fluid, and hinder its reabsorption, so that a large 
amount of it accumulates in the intestine. The distension due 
to this accumulation excites gentle peristalsis, and consequently 
an easy, painless evacuation of the bowels. Secretion goes on 
till the fluid in the intestine has become a 5 or 6 per cent, solu- 
tion of the drug, so that if a very concentrated solution is given, 
much intestinal fluid is secreted. There is some doubt whether 
osmosis plays any part in the process. The action is entirely 
local, for no purgation follows if the salts are injected into the 
blood. [Magnesium sulphate, administered hypodermatically, 
purges. It is possible that other salines may act similarly.] The 
saline purgatives are — 



(1) Potassium [and sodium] 

tartrate. 

(2) Potassium bitartrate. 

(3) Potassium sulphate. 

(4) Sodium sulphate. 



(5) Sodium tartrate. 

(6) Sodium citro-tartrate. 

(7) Sodium phosphate. 

(8) Magnesium sulphate and 

other salts. 



Therapeutics. — These are very largely used as habitual pur- 
gatives, especially for persons suffering from any form of gout. 
They form the essential ingredient of most purgative mineral 
waters, as Hunyadi Janos, [Apenta], Pullna, Friedrichshall, 
^Esculap, Rubinat, [Villacabras], etc. The best way of taking 
them is to put the required dose of the salt, or the mineral 
water, in a tumbler, add some [hot] water, and sip it slowly 
while dressing in the morning. 

Cholagogue purgatives will be described when speaking of the 
liver. 



94 PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. 

Enemata. — Any fluid preparation, injected into the rectum, 
is called an enema. When a purgative is liable to produce sick- 
ness, or it is inadvisable, because of peritonitis, intestinal ob- 
struction, ulceration, or other diseases, to give it by the mouth, 
it may be given by the rectum. Castor oil, aloes, olive oil, 
magnesium sulphate, soap, etc., may be administered in this 
way. Enough of a vehicle must always be used to make a pur- 
gative enema up to three-quarters of a pint or a pint [350. or 500. 
c.c], for distension of the rectum greatly aids purgation. A 
teaspoonful [4 c.c] of glycerin injected into the rectum, or the 
same amount given as a suppository, often unlocks the bowels. 

[Intestinal Antiseptics. — These are believed to check fer- 
mentation and putrefaction in the intestines and are — 



(1) Naphtol. 


(7) Creosote. 


(2) Bismuth Naphtolate. 


(8) Corrosive Mercuric Chlo 


(3) Naphtalin. 


ride. 


(4) Bismuth Salicylate. 


(9) Oil of Turpentine. 


(5) Salol. 


(10) Silver Nitrate. 


(6) Chlorine. 





Naphtol has been shown to destroy micro-organism in situ. 
Bismuth naphtolate has not the irritating properties of naphtol, 
but appears to be equally effective. When pure, naphtalin is 
not absorbed, it does not cause toxic symptoms, nor is there 
any change in the urine. Salol, a combination of salicylic and 
carbolic acids, decomposes only in an alkaline solution, and this 
is useful for action in the small intestine. Chlorine water has 
been used for the disinfection of the intestine in typhoid fever. 
Creosote is valuable if administered in the form of enteric pills, 
which are soluble only in the intestinal fluids. Corrosive mer- 
curic chloride is too poisonous for use, save in exceptional cases. 
The late George B. Wood, of Philadelphia, achieved brilliant 
success with oil of turpentine in the treatment of typhoid fever. 
Silver nitrate has a limited use as an antiseptic, in its local appli- 
cation to dysenteric ulcerations within reach in the rectum and 
sigmoid flexure. The intelligent use of the foregoing drugs has 
greatly improved the success of the treatment of enteritis, diar- 
rhoea, colitis, dysentery and typhoid fever.] 



DRUGS ACTING ON THE DIGESTIVE APPARATUS. 



95 



Intestinal Astringents. — These may be described under 
the following heads : 

Astringents acting 011 the vessels of the intestine. — These are 
the same as those acting on vessels generally. Those employed 
for their action on the intestine are — 



(1) Lead salts. 

(2) Dilute solutions of silver salts. 



(3) Alum. 

(4) Diluted sulphuric acid. 



Astringents coagulating albuminous fluids and thus constricting 
the vessels : — 



(1) Tannic acid, and all sub- 

stances containing it, as — 

(2) Krameria, 

(3) Kino, 

(4) Haematoxylon, 

(5) Cinnamon, 

(6) Catechu, and 



(7) Eucalyptus gum. 

(8) Lead salts. 

(9) Silver salts. 

(10) Zinc salts. 

(11) Bismuth salts. 

(12) Copper salts, and especially 

(13) Ferric salts. 



Astringents diminishing the amount of intestinal fluid secreted ; 

(1) Opium. (3) Lead salts. 

(2) [Coto.] (4) Calcium salts. 

The precise action of these is obscure, but it is probable that they operate 
in the way indicated. 

Astringents diminishing the contractions of the muscular coat 
of the intestines : 



(1) Opium. 

(2) Belladonna. 

(3) Hyoscyamus. 

(4) Stramonium. 



(5) Lead salts. 

(6) Lime. 

(7) Bismuth salts. 



Therapeutics. — The first proceeding in every case of diar- 
rhoea is to remove its cause ; if this can be done, it will probably 
subside. Often the cause is some irritating, indigestible food, 
and then it is advisable to give a mild purge, as castor oil, rhu- 
barb, etc., to get rid of it. The majority of cases of ordinary 
diarrhoea are probably due to some slight enteritis, and then any 
one of the astringents that have been named will be valuable, for 



96 PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. 

it is desirable to constrict the dilated vessels, and to diminish the 
secretion and the movements. Intestinal astringents are, there- 
fore, often combined, and, when the diarrhoea is at all serious, 
opium is of great service. If there is a persistent cause, as tuber- 
culous ulceration, the hope of doing good is slight. But the treat- 
ment by drugs is only a small part of the battle ; if the diarrhoea 
is severe, absolute rest is necessary, food must be very simple 
and given in small quantities at a time, not much fluid should 
be drunk, and the patient must be kept warm. 

E. Drugs acting on the Liver. — The liver has several 
distinct functions, viz. : (a) to secrete bile; (/;) to form and 
store up glycogen ; (V) to form urea; (V) to excrete substances 
absorbed from the intestine ; and (<?) to destroy poisonous sub- 
stances absorbed from the intestine. 

1 . Drugs influe?icing the secretion of bile. — It does not follow 
because more bile appears in the faeces that more is secreted, for 
it may be that the gall-bladder and ducts have been thoroughly 
emptied, or that the bile which has been poured into the duode- 
num has been swept along quickly before reabsorption, which is 
ordinarily brisk, has had time to take place. Drugs which 
increase the amount of bile actually secreted are called direct 
cholagogues, or hepatic stimulants ; but this is a bad name, 
as the liver has so many distinct functions : those which simply 
lead to a larger amount of bile being found in the faeces without 
any extra secretion are called indirect cholagogues. 

Direct Cholagogues. — These have been studied in fasting, 
curarized dogs. A cannula is inserted into the bile-duct, and is 
brought out of the body, the drug to be experimented upon is 
administered, and the amount of bile is secreted before and after 
the administration is noted. No food must be given during the 
experiment, as that alone causes a considerable increase in the 
biliary flow. 

Direct cholagogues (the most powerful being placed first) are — 



(1) Euonymus. 

(2) Sodium benzoate. 

(3) Sodium salicylate. 

(4) Podopbyllin. 



(5) Iridin. 

(6) [Leptandra.] 

(7) [Corrosive] mercuric chlo- 

ride. 



DRUGS ACTING ON THE DIGESTIVE APPARATUS. 9/ 



(8) Sodium sulphate. 

(9) Sodium phosphate. 

(10) Aloes. 

(11) Ipecacuanha. 

(12) Diluted nitric acid. 

(13) Diluted nitrohydrochloric 

acid. 



(14) Colocynth. 

(15) Colchicum. 

(16) Potassium sulphate. 

(17) Rhubarb. 

(18) Jalap. 

(19) Scammony. 

(20) Diluted arsenous acid. 



There are individual differences among direct cholagogues. Some, as 
sodium salicylate, make the flow very watery, others, as toluylendiamine, 
which is not given to man, make it so thick that it flows through the duct with 
the greatest difficulty. Euonymin, sodium benzoate, sodium salicylate, Harro- 
gate old sulphur spring and Carlsbad water, all markedly increase both the 
total quantity and the solids. Podophyllin and iridin, on the other hand, 
increase the solids without affecting the quantity. 

Indirect Cholagogues. — These cause no increase in the 
amount of bile secreted ; they act by stimulating the upper part 
of the jejunum and the lower part of the duodenum, thus sweep- 
ing the bile on before there is time for it to be re-absorbed. 

They are — (1) Mercury; (2) most Cathartic purgatives, especially 
Calomel. 

Therapeutics. — Cholagogues are used for cases of dyspepsia 
in which there is reason to believe that the liver is the organ 
at fault, and certainly they often have a very markedly beneficial 
effect. It is clearly an advantage to combine direct and indirect 
cholagogues in order to insure that the bile shall be excreted. 
As bile itself is a stimulant to the peristaltic movements of the 
intestine, all cholagogues are purgatives, and form a distinct class 
of purgatives. In cases of hepatic dyspepsia attention to diet is 
of the greatest importance, and muscular movements, as riding, 
rowing, etc., aid in the expulsion of bile from the gall-bladder 
and ducts. 

Axti -Cholagogues. — These are often called hepatic depres- 
sants. They decrease the quantity of the bile secreted. Calomel, 
castor oil, gamboge, magnesium sulphate, opium and lead acetate 
have this effect, but it is not sufficiently marked to interfere with 
their therapeutic use for other purposes, and they are never em- 
ployed for this action. 

7 



98 PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. 

2. Drugs modifying the glycogenic function of the liver. — [We 
will here refer to those drugs which cause sugar to appear in the 
urine, and to those drugs which diminish the glycogenic function 
of the liver. 

Drugs causing Sugar to appear in the Urine. — Until re- 
cently it was assumed that all these drugs acted on the liver, 
probably by increasing the amount of sugar made from the hepa- 
tic store of glycogen ; but now we have reasons for thinking that 
sometimes the pancreas may be the organ at fault in diabetes, for 
its excision causes sugar to appear in the urine, and other symp- 
toms of diabetes ; also it has been suggested that perhaps some 
perversion of processes going on in muscles may cause diabetes, 
therefore it is rash to assume that all drugs causing sugar to 
appear in the urine (glycosuria) must act on the liver. What 
little can be stated as to the mode of action of these drugs will 
be given when each individual drug is considered. 

The drugs stated to cause glycosuria have already been mentioned [See 
p. 70).] 

Depressants of the Glycogenic Function. — Phosphorus, arsenic, 
and antimony diminish and even stop the formation of glycogen by the liver ; 
they also cause fatty degeneration of it. In certain forms of diabetes, opium, 
morphine, and codeine have a most marked effect in diminishing the quan- 
tity of sugar in the urine. 

3. Drugs modifying the formation of urea by the liver. — It is 
believed that some of the nitrogenous substances, especially 
leucin, arriving at the liver, are there converted into urea. The 
quantity of urea excreted by the urine is increased by phosphorus, 
arsenic, antimony, ammonium chloride, and iron. Phosphorus 
may also lead to the appearance in the urine of leucin and tyro- 
sin. There is some evidence that this drug causes an increase of 
the urea through its action on the liver, for in phosphorus poison- 
ing that organ undergoes extreme fatty degeneration, and jaun- 
dice supervenes. Whether the other drugs act through the liver 
is doubtful. Antimony and arsenic, if given in large doses for 
some time, both produce general fatty degeneration. All these 
substances must be administered in almost poisonous doses in 



DRUGS ACTING ON NERVOUS AND MUSCULAR SYSTEMS. 99 

order to increase the urea in the urine, and they are not employed 
therapeutically for this purpose. 

Opium, colchicum, alcohol, and quinine are said to increase 
the quantity of urea excreted. 

Division X. — Drugs acting on the Nervous and Muscular 

Systems. 

A. Drugs acting on the Muscles. — Pharmacologists have 
devoted much attention to this class of drugs ; but as the facts 
ascertained are not used in medicine, we need not stop to con- 
sider them. Brunton gives the following classification, founded 
on that of Kobert : 

Class I. Irritability of muscle unaffected ; total amount of work it can 
do diminished. — The following produce this effect : Apomorphine, delphine, 
saponin, copper, zinc, and cadmium, and in large doses, antimony, arsenic, 
platinum, and iron. 

Class II. Both the irritability and the capacity for work diminished. — 
The following produce this effect : Potassium, lithium, ammonium, quinine, 
alcohol, chloral [hydrate], and chloroform. 

Class III. Diminish the capacity for work, and make the excitability very 
irregular. — Lead, emetine, and cocaine. 

Class IV. Alter the for?n of the muscle curve. — Veratrine, barium, stron- 
tium, and calcium salts, digitalis, and squill. 

Class V. Increases the excitability. — Physostigmine. 

Class VI. Increase the capacity for work. — Caffeine and theobromine. 

Small doses of strychnine and veratrine shorten the latent period ; large 
doses lengthen it. 

Dilute alkalies diminish the extensibility ; dilute acids increase it. 

B. Drugs acting on the Peripheral Endings of Motor 
Nerves. — Of the drugs belonging to this group the action of 
curare has been worked out most fully. If curare is given to an 
animal, it is found that the muscles will respond to a mechanical 
stimulus, although they will not contract when the motor nerve is 
stimulated. If a single muscle be removed from the circulation 
by ligature of its vessels before the administration of curare, 
afterwards it will be the only one that will respond to stimula- 
tion of its motor nerve. As this was the only muscle of the body 
that the drug could not reach, and it is the only one not poi- 

LofC. 



1 00 PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. 

soned, the poison clearly acts locally on the muscles ; but as the 
curarized muscle will respond to mechanical stimulation, curare 
must paralyze the motor nerves within the muscle, probably the 
end plates. 



Drugs paralyzing the termination of the motor nerves in muscle . 

(12) Lobeline. 

(13) Nicotine. 

(14) Methyl-brucine. 

(15) Methyl-cinchonine. 

(16) Methyl-codeine. 

(17) Methyl-morphine. 

(18) Methyl- quinine. 

(19) Methyl-nicotine. 

(20) Methyl-strychnine, 
and many others. 



(1) Curare. 

(2) Conium. 

(3) Belladonna (atropine). 

(4) Stramonium. 

(5) Hyoscyamus. 

(6) Saponin. 

(7) Sparteine. 

(8) Amyl nitrite. 

(9) Diluted hydrocyanic acid. 
(10) Cocaine. 



(11) Camphor. 

Curare and conium are by far the most important. Therapeutically we 
never desire to paralyze motor nerve endings. 

Drugs stimulating the termination of motor nerves in muscle : 

(1) Aconite. (4) Pyridine. 

(2) Nicotine. (5) Strychnine (slightly). 

(3) Pilocarpine. 

Excepting that perhaps some of the beneficial action of strychnine in 
certain cases may be due to its slight action on motor nerves, we do not em- 
ploy these drugs for this action. 

C. Drugs acting on the Peripheral Endings of 
Sensory Nerves (other than those of special sense). — Our 
knowledge of these is derived almost entirely from observations 
on man, for it is very difficult to experiment upon animals, as 
they have such imperfect means of communicating their sensa- 
tions to us. 

Drugs ivhich stimulate the termination of sensory ?ierves. — 
These, when applied locally, cause pain. They are the same as 
the local vascular irritants which have already been enumerated 
(p. 60) ; in fact, most of them give rise to pain by causing local 
inflammation. There is no need to repeat the list. 

Therapeutics. — Local irritants are chiefly employed for 



DRUGS ACTING ON NERVOUS AND MUSCULAR SYSTEMS. IOI 

their action on the vessels, but as they are also counter-irritants, 
their application to the skin, while causing some pain there, will 
often relieve a deep-seated pain. Although pain is always referred 
to the periphery, it is appreciated centrally, and therefore periph- 
eral stimulation of nerves, which also reflexly excites the heart 
and respiration, is used to rouse people from unconsciousness, 
such as that of fainting, opium poisoning, etc. For these pur- 
poses the stimulus must be prompt, hence the application of the 
faradic current to the skin is a good means to employ.- 

Drugs which depress the terminations of sensory nerves. — Of 
these there are two kinds : those which only relieve pain, or 
local anodynes ; and those which diminish sensibility, or 
local anaesthetics. 

Local Anodynes. — These have no action unless pain be present. They 
are — 



(i) Aconite. 

(2) Carbolic acid. 

(3) Menthol. 

(4) Diluted hydrocyanic acid. 

(5) Veratrine. 

(6) Ether. ^ These must be 

(7) Alcohol. tallowed to eva- 

(8) Chloroform. J porate. 



(9) Chloral [hydrate.] 

(10) Belladonna. 

(n) Stramonium. 

(12) Hyoscyamus. 

(13) Opium. 

(14) Sodium bicarbonate. 

(15) Zinc oxide. 



In the above list the most powerful are placed first. Many other sub- 
stances are said to be local anodynes, but their claim to the title is doubtful. 
Cold is a powerful depressant of sensibility, and therefore it is an excellent 
local anodyne ; so also is warmth, for heat primarily dilates the vessels, and 
thus relieves tension, which is a very powerful factor in causing pain. 

Therapeutics. — It is clear that the scope for the employ- 
ment of local anodynes is very wide. If possible, the first thing 
is to remove the cause of the pain, but often, as in neuralgia and 
many forms of pruritus, we cannot do this. 

Local Anaesthetics. — These are [ethyl chloride, rhigolene], cocaine, 
[eucaine], carbolic acid, and extreme cold, whether produced by ice or 
the ether spray. This spray was formerly employed to produce local anaes- 
thesia before doing small operations, but it has [the disadvantage of stiffening 
the parts so that it is only useful for single incision as for opening furuncles. 



102 PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. 

Upon a damp day it is ineffectual. Ethyl chloride sprayed from tubes by the 
heat of the hand is the best method and the one most frequently employed at 
present. Eucaine and] cocaine, which produce a high degree of local insen- 
sibility, [are largely employed]. 

D. Drugs acting on the trunks of Nerves. — These are 
of greater pathological than pharmacological interest. If taken 
for a long time they produce chronic inflammation of the nerves, 
which is shown by the great increase of the fibrous tissue between 
the nerve-fibres and the fatty degeneration of the fibres them- 
selves. During the earlier stages the irritation of the nerves 
causes much pain and tingling ; later, as they lose their function, 
numbness, with loss of sensation, and paralysis set in, often ac- 
companied by trophic lesions. For further details books on 
medicine must be consulted, 

The drugs producing peripheral neuritis are — 

(i) Lead. (3) Arsenic. 

(2) Mercury. (4) Alcohol. 

E. Drugs acting on the Spinal Cord. — The difficulties 
of experiment are so great that we know nothing of the action 
of drugs on the sensory portions of the cord. We are also 
ignorant of the action of drugs on the motor fibres. The follow- 
ing method is adopted to discover whether a drug acts on the 
cells of the anterior cornua. Suppose we are studying a drug 
which stimulates them. After the drug has been given, a slight 
peripheral stimulus will produce such marked reflex action that 
convulsions will ensue upon the stimulation. If the cord is cut 
across and the convulsions follow the stimulus as before, it is 
clear that tjiese cannot be of cerebral origin, for in that case 
they would not take place below the point of section. Again, 
if before injection of the drug into the circulation, the vessels of 
the cord are ligatured, and then the drug causes no convulsion, 
it is clear that it acts on the cord, and not on the muscles or 
nerves. These results are confirmed, if, when the drug is in- 
jected into vessels by which it reaches the cord quickly, convul- 
sions occur sooner than when it is thrown into other vessels ; 
also if convulsions do not take place when the cord is destroyed ; 



DRUGS ACTING ON NERVOUS AND MUSCULAR SYSTEMS. 



I03 



and lastly if, when the destruction is gradually caused by pushing 
a wire down the vertebral canal, the convulsions cease from 
above downwards as the cord is destroyed. 

The drugs increasing the irritability of the anterior cornua are — 



(1) Strychnine. 

(2) Brucine. 

(3) Ammonia. 

(4) Thebaine. 



(5) Chloroform. 

(6) Ether. 

(7) Ergot. 

(8) Opium. 



(The last four only slightly, and early in their action. ) 

Therapeutics. — It is very rarely that we can do any good 
in spinal diseases by attempting to stimulate the anterior cornua ; 
but strychnine is occasionally given for cases of paralysis due to 
diseases of the spinal cord. 

Drugs which depress the activity of the anterior cornua : 



(1) Physostigmine. 


(15) Arsenical salts. 


(2) Bromides. 


(16) Camphor. 


(3) Alcohol. 


(17) Amyl nitrite. 


(4) Chloroform. 


(18) Sodium nitrite. 


(5) Ether. 


(19) Chloral [hydrate.] 


(6) Ergot. 


(20) Carbolic acid. 


(7) Opium. 


(21) Apomorphine. 


(8) Mercury. 


(22) Veratrine. 


(9) Zinc salts. 


(23) Turpentine. 


(10) Silver salts. 


(24) Saponin. 


(11) Sodium salts. 


(25) Emetine. 


(12) Potassium salts. 


(26) Gelsemium. 


(13) Lithium salts. 


(27) Colchicum. 


(14) Antimony salts. 





Of these, apomorphine, alcohol, chloroform, ether, arsenic, camphor, mor- 
phine, carbolic acid, chloral [hydrate,] nicotine, and veratrine first excite 
slightly before depressing. 

Therapeutics. — These drugs are of very little use in medi- 
cine for their action on the spinal cord. Physostigmine is by 
far the most powerful, and has been occasionally used in obscure 
nervous diseases accompanied by convulsions, as tetanus. 

Ergot has a very peculiar action in producing sclerosis of the 



104 PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. 

posterior columns of the cord. Lead sometimes causes atrophy 
of the anterior cornual cells, and long-continued abuse of alcohol 
probably causes slight degeneration of the cord as a whole. 

F. Drugs acting on the Brain. — The action of these can- 
not be localized nearly so accurately as can that of drugs acting 
on the spinal cord and nerves. Drugs acting on the brain illus- 
trate two very important general laws. 

First, the law of dissolution, which, when stated as it 
applies in pharmacology, is as follows: When a drug affects 
functions progressively, those first affected are the highest in 
development ; that is to say, they are the last acquired by the 
individual and the last to appear in the species. The next af- 
fected are those next to highest, and so on ; till finally the lowest 
of all from an evolutionary point of view, that is to say, the 
functions of respiration and circulation, are affected. This law 
is very well exemplified in the case of alcohol, for the first func- 
tions to be disordered are those of the intellect, especially the 
highest, such as judgment and reason ; then follow disorders of 
movement, and finally death from failure of respiration and 
circulation. 

Another law very well exemplified by drugs which act on 
the brain is that when a drug in moderate doses excites a func- 
tion, in large doses it often paralyzes it. For example, a person 
under the influence of chloroform, soon after its administration, 
tosses his arms about in a disorderly way, but they subsequently 
become motionless, and cerebral stimulants may also be hyp- 
notics. 

Drugs acting on the motor centres of the brain. — To investigate 
these, the motor area of the cortex is exposed by trephining, and 
the strength of current which it is necessary to apply to the motor 
area to produce corresponding movements, is noted before and 
after the administration of the drug. Another method is to 
observe the strength of current necessary to evoke a movement, 
then to allow the wound [made by the trephine] to close, after- 
wards the animal is made to take the drug regularly for some 
weeks. The opposite motor area is then exposed, and the strength 
of current required to call forth movements is noted. 



DRUGS ACTING ON NERVOUS AND MUSCULAR SYSTEMS. 105 

It has been found that [the following] diminish the activity of the motor 
area. 

(1) Alcohol. (4) Potassium bromide. 

(2) Anaesthetics. (5) Sodium bromide. 

(3) Chloral [hydrate.] (6) Ammonium bromide. 

Bromides are largely used in epilepsy and other convulsive 
disorders on account of this function. 

Drugs exciting the motor cells of the cortex are — 

(1) Atropine. (3) Strychnine. 

(2) Absinthium. (4) Physostigmine. 

They have no therapeutical application in virtue of this property. 

General cerebral stimulants. — It is impossible to know any- 
thing of these by experiments on animals. In man they cause 
general excitation of the mental faculties, followed in many cases 
by delirium and incoherence. The exact form of delirium differs 
a little in each case. 



(ii) Coca. 

(12) Cannabis Indica. 

(13) Lupulus. 

(14) Opium. 

(15) Camphor. 

(16) Santonin. 

(17) Quinine. 

(18) Salicylic acid. 

(19) Tobacco. 



Therapeutics. — Many of these are taken habitually as cere- 
bral stimulants ; for example, alcohol, tea, coffee, tobacco, in 
England ; opium in the East ; cannabis indica in many parts of 
Asia ; coca in parts of South America ; and if it is wished to 
give a cerebral stimulant as a drug, one of these is usually chosen. 
The rest, which are very important, are commonly employed for 
some other action. With very many of this class of drugs, as 
will be seen directly, the stimulant action soon gives way to a 
paralyzing influence. 



Such 


drugs are — 


(1) 


Belladonna. 


(2) 


Stramonium. 


(3) Hyoscyamus. 


(4) 


Alcohol. 


(5) 


Chloroform. 


(6) 


Ether. 


(7) 


Nitrous oxide 


(8) 


Coffee. 


(9) 


Tea. 


(10) 


Guarana. 



io6 



PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. 



General cerebral depressants . — These are commonly divided into 
three classes : Hypnotics or Soporifics, Narcotics and Anaesthetics. 

Hypnotics or Soporifics are drugs which produce sleep, 
closely resembling, if not identical with, natural sleep. The 
brain during sleep is anaemic, and it is thought that this anaemia 
is the cause of sleep ; possibly some soporifics act by producing 
cerebral anaemia. 

The hypnotics are — 



(i) Opium. 


(9) Sulphonal. 


(2) Morphine. 


(10) Paraldehyde. 


(3) Chloral hydrate. 


(n) Alcohol. 


(4) Chloralamide. 


(12) Hyoscine. 


(5) Butyl-chloral hydrate. 


(13) Cannabis Indica 


(6) Bromides. 


(14) Urethane. 


(7) [Trional. 


(15) Lupulus. 


(8) Pellotine.] 


(16) Lactucarium. 



Therapeutics. — These drugs are often used for persons suf- 
fering from sleeplessness, but it is far more important to remove 
the cause of the sleeplessness. Sleep is often promoted by dila- 
ting the vessels of other parts of the body than the brain ; for 
example, a warm bath or an abundant meal conduces to sleep. 
The use of hypnotics is greatly abused. Those who take them 
become habituated to them, so that at last even large doses do 
not cause sleep. Chloral [hydrate if used with great caution, 
pellotine, paraldehyde, trional], and chloralamide are perhaps 
the most satisfactory. 

Narcotics are substances which not only produce sleep, but 
also in large doses depress the functions of respiration and circu- 
lation. Many of them fall also under the head of general anaes- 
thetics ; others are, in smaller doses, hypnotics. All must be 
given in considerable doses. 

The following is a list of them. 

(i) General Anaesthetics. (6) Hyoscyamus. 

(2) Opium. (7) Alcohol. 

(3) Chloral hydrate. (8) Cannabis Indica. 

(4) Belladonna. (9) Lupulus. 

(5) Stramonium. 

All must be given in considerable doses. 



DRUGS ACTING ON NERVOUS AND MUSCULAR SYSTEMS. 10? 

Therapeutics. — They are of great use in calming excite- 
ment of any kind ; many of them, such as, for example, opium 
and belladonna, are beneficial in relieving distress and producing 
sleep in heart disease. 

General Anaesthetics. — These are drugs which lead to a 
total loss of consciousness, so that pain is no longer felt ; at the 
same time reflex action is abolished. They illustrate admirably 
the law of dissolution, and also the fact that, after excitement, 
paralysis often succeeds ; and the stages consequent upon these 
laws can be readily observed in any one who is taking an anaes- 
thetic. Firstly, in obedience to the law of dissolution the highest 
faculty, the imagination, becomes excited, the patient sees visions 
and hears noises. He next begins to chatter wildly and inco- 
herently, for in the excitement of any function by a drug the 
exaltation is usually irregular, and confusion results. Next, the 
other motor centres of the cortex are stimulated irregularly, so 
that he gesticulates, throws his arms about wildly, and tosses his 
body. By this time the brief stimulation of the higher intellec- 
tual faculties has probably ceased, and, in obedience to the 
second law, vision, hearing, and touch are dulled, and he has 
lost control over his reason, so that he feels light-headed, as he 
expresses it, crying and laughing easily ; now he is totally irre- 
sponsible for his actions and careless as to their results. It will 
be noticed that the functions are paralyzed in the order stated in 
the law of dissolution. Next there follows upon the stimulation 
of the motor areas, stimulation of the heart and respiration. The 
pulse and respiration both increase in number, the blood-pressure 
rises, the face flushes. Then comes depression of all the functions 
previously excited ; first the higher parts of the cerebrum give 
way, and the patient loses consciousness — neither bright lights, 
sounds, nor painful impressions arouse him ; he becomes quiet, 
and ceases to throw his arms and legs about ; the reflexes disap- 
pear, and consequently touching the conjunctiva does not pro- 
duce closing of the eyelids ; the feet do not move when they are 
tickled, the pupil is contracted, and the previous quickening of 
the pulse and respiration are succeeded by a slowing of their rate. 
It is at this period that the patient cannot feel pain, and that 



108 PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. 

therefore operations are performed. The depression of the motor 
centres is followed by the depression of the muscular tone, and 
the muscles become quite flaccid and cease to respond to me- 
chanical stimulation. This is the degree of narcosis that is re- 
quired for the easy reduction of dislocations and for the easy 
manual examination of the abdominal viscera. Anaesthetics 
should not be pushed beyond this stage. If they are, even the 
involuntary muscles lose their tone and reflex excitability, so that 
the sphincters of the rectum and the bladder relax. The depres- 
sion of the pulse and respiration continues, the movements of 
the chest become weaker and weaker, and slower and slower, 
the pulse becomes very feeble, slow, and irregular, and the heart 
finally stops in diastole. Death occurs partly by the heart and 
partly by the respiration. At any period of the administration 
during which recovery is possible, the functions of the body will 
return in just the reverse order to that in which they were lost, 
thus again illustrating the law of dissolution. It is often many 
hours before the mental faculties have recovered their equilibrium, 
and long after the patient can move his muscles, he cannot co- 
ordinate them. There are individual differences in the different 
anaesthetics and in different persons. 



The general anaesthetics are — 

(i) Chloroform. 

(2) Ether. 

(3) Nitrous oxide. 

(4) [Pental. 



(5) Ethyl bromide.] 

(6) Many other substitution 

products derived from 
alcohols and ethers. 



Therapeutics. — Anaesthetics are given to cause uncon- 
sciousness, so that pain may not be experienced during opera- 
tions, to relax muscles in cases of dislocations, abdominal exami- 
nations, phantom tumors, etc., to relieve severe pain, such as 
that of parturition, biliary and renal colic, to quiet the body 
during convulsions, as in tetanus and hydrophobia. 

The chief dangers of anesthetics are — 1. Death from shock. 
This usually takes place before the patient is fully under the 
influence of the anaesthetic ; reflex action is not yet quite abol- 
ished, and the heart is stopped reflexly from the peripheral 



DRUGS ACTING ON NERVOUS AND MUSCULAR SYSTEMS. IOQ, 

stimulus of the operation. This is one of the greatest and most 
common dangers of anaesthetics, especially of chloroform. It is, 
to a large extent, avoidable if care be taken that the patient is 
fully under the influence of the anaesthetic before the operation is 
begun ; often, when it is trivial, the operator is in too great a 
hurry to begin, and the patient suddenly dies from failure of the 
heart. 

2. Death from paralysis of respiration. This is usually due 
to a combination of circumstances. Too much of the anaesthetic 
may have been given, respiration may be difficult because the 
patient suffers from some disease of the lungs, or the operation 
may demand that he should lie on his side or in some other posi- 
tion which hampers respiration. It is not a very great danger, 
for it is heralded by lividity ; and if then the posture is changed, 
the administration of the anaesthetic is stopped, and artificial 
respiration is performed, the patient usually quickly recovers ; 
even if he does not, artificial respiration, with the head thrown 
back and the tongue pulled out, should be carried on as long as 
there is any evidence that the heart is beating, or if the patient 
draws a breath when artificial respiration is stopped for half a 
minute. [Patients] have recovered, although it has been neces- 
sary to keep up artificial respiration for hours. 

3. Cardiac failure may occur if the vapor is too concentrated. 
The patient almost suddenly becomes pale, and the pulse stops. 
In such a case no more of the anaesthetic should be given, artifi- 
cial respiration must be kept up in the manner just mentioned, 
[after] the patient [has been] inverted so that the head is lowest. 
The heart may be stimulated [by large rectal injections of hot 
normal saline solution or of coffee, if at hand] , by the inhalation 
of amyl nitrite, by the plunging of electric needles into the heart, 
or [if the reflexes are not abolished,] by flicking the chest over 
the heart with hot towels and placing hot compresses over it. 
[The use of brandy subcutaneously is to add the effect of one 
poison to that of another. The application of the faradic cur- 
rent over the cardiac region is also objectionable.] 

4. Vomited matter and, if the operation is about the mouth, 
blood may suffocate the patient. To avoid the first contingency 



110 PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. 

no food should be taken for some time before the operation, and 
if the patient is sick, he should be turned on his side ; to avoid 
the latter special precautions must be taken, which are described 
in books on operative surgery. 

For the relative advantages of the different anaesthetics and 
the mode of giving each, the account of the different individual 
drugs must be consulted. 

G. Drugs acting on the Eye. 

t. Drugs acting on the Pupil. — The first thing to deter- 
mine is whether any drug which dilates or contracts the pupil acts 
locally or centrally. It is dropped into one eye : if it only acts 
feebly and after some time on both eyes, it follows that it has 
acted centrally after absorption from the conjunctiva into the 
general circulation ; but if it acts quickly, powerfully, and only 
on the eye into which it was dropped, its action is local. If it 
acts on an excised eye its action must be local. If, when all the 
vessels going to the eye are ligatured, the drug will act when 
dropped into the eye, but will not when thrown into the general 
circulation, this again shows that its action is local, and that 
when it acts after being thrown into the circulation when no 
vessels are ligatured, it does so because it is circulating locally 
through the eye. If all the arteries and veins of the eye are liga- 
tured, and the drug will not act when locally applied, although it 
would before and will now, when thrown into general circulation, 
it shows that its action is central, and that it acts when dropped 
into the eye because some of it is absorbed. If it has been 
proved by these means to act centrally, the further investigation 
is difficult, for the central mechanism is complex. 

If it has been proved to act locally, it may act either on the 
muscular fibres of the iris, on the terminations of the third nerve 
in them, or on the terminations of the cervical sympathetic in 
them. Stimulation of the third nerve causes the pupil to con- 
tract ; section of it causes the pupil to dilate. Stimulation of the 
sympathetic causes the pupil to dilate ; section of it causes the 
pupil to contract. If the pupil is dilated by the local action of 
a drug, and stimulation of the third nerve will not cause it to 



DRUGS ACTING ON NERVOUS AND MUSCULAR SYSTEMS. I I I 

contract, but yet the muscle is responsive to mechanical stimula- 
tion, it shows that the endings of the third nerve are paralyzed. 
If the pupil is contracted by the drug, and, although responsive 
to mechanical stimulation, will not dilate when the third nerve is 
cut, it shows that the ends of the third nerve are stimulated. If 
a drug locally dilates the pupil, but not as powerfully as stimula- 
tion of the sympathetic, it is clear that its whole effect is not due 
to a stimulation of the sympathetic ; and if the muscle remains 
locally irritable, the third nerve ending must be paralyzed. A 
series of similar experiments may be made with regard to the 
sympathetic. By these means the mode of action of many drugs 
has been made out, but often they act both on the sympathetic 
and the third nerve. In the following list they will be classified 
under their main actions : 

Mydriatics {dilate the pupil) — 



Paralyze the termination of the third nerve. 



(i) Atropine. 

(2) Homatropine. 

(3) Daturine. 

(4) Hyoscyamine. 

(5) Coniine. 



(6) Gelsemine. 

(7) Muscarine. 

(8) Hydrocyanic Acid. 

(9) Aconite. 
(10) Amyl nitrite. 



[pro- 
bably.] 



B. Stimulate the terminations of the sympathetic. — Cocaine. 

C. Act centrally. — Anaesthetics (late in their action). 

Myotics {contract the pupil). 

A. Stimulate the terminations of the third nerve. — Pilocarpine, and 
nicotine (probably). 

B. Stimulate the muscle. — Physostigmine. 

C. Act centrally. — Anaesthetics (early in their action), Opium. 

Therapeutics. — Dilators of the pupils, especially atropine 
and homatropine, are used to dilate the pupil for ophthalmoscopic 
examination, and to prevent or break down adhesions of the iris. 
Contractors of the pupil, especially physostigmine, are used to 
overcome the effects of atropine, [to prevent or break down 
adhesions of the iris] , and to prevent too much light entering 
the eye in painful diseases of it. 



112 PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. 

2. Drugs acting on the Ciliary Muscle. — The following 
drugs impair or paralyze accommodation : 



(i) Atropine. 

(2) Daturine. 

(3) Hyoscyamine. 

(4) Homatropine. 

(5) Cocaine. 



(6) Physostigmine. 

(7) Pilocarpine. 

(8) Gelsemine. 

(9) Coniine. 



Intra-ocular tension is increased by atropine (large doses), 
hyoscyamine, and daturine. It is decreased by cocaine, hyos- 
cine, and physostigmine. 

Gelsemine paralyzes the external ocular muscles, especially 
the elevator palpebral and the external rectus, by its action on 
the terminal nerve filaments. 

Cocaine, [by] stimulating the unstriped fibres in the orbital 
membrane and the eyelids, causes the eye to protrude. Coniine 
produces ptosis [when given in large doses] . 

The capacity for seeing blue is increased by strychnine. San- 
tonin causes first violet, then yellow vision. 

H. Drugs acting on the Ears. — We know very little 
about the action of drugs on them. Quinine and salicylic acid 
cause noise and buzzing. 

I. Drugs acting on the Sympathetic System. — Much 
of this subject has already been discussed when speaking of the 
action of drugs on vessels. The curious fact has been made out 
that if an animal be treated with a large dose of nicotine, or if 
this be applied locally to the superior cervical ganglion, stimula- 
tion of the nerve below the ganglion no longer produces its char- 
acteristic effects, although stimulation above the ganglion does. 

Division XL — Drugs acting on the Organs of Generation. 

A. Aphrodisiacs. — These are substances which increase 
sexual desire. There are conceivably many ways in which this 
might take place. There is a centre in the lumbar spinal cord, 
irritation of which causes erection, and this is capable of being 
excited by afferent impulses proceeding from many parts of the 
body, but especially from the cerebrum, and the genital organs 



DRUGS ACTING ON THE ORGANS OF GENERATION. 1 1 3 

themselves, or the parts in their immediate neighborhood. The 
lumbar centre appears to be very dependent upon the general 
health, and therefore substances which improve this are indirectly 
aphrodisiacs. 

The following drugs are known as aphrodisiacs ; their mode of action is 
not certainly known : 



(1) Strychnine. 

(2) Cantharides. 

(3) Alcohol. 

(4) Cannabis Indica. 



(5) Camphor. 

(6) Phosphorus. 

(7) Damiana. 



B. Anaphrodisiacs. — We do not know for certain of any 
drugs which have a depressant effect upon the lumbar centre. 
Most anaphrodisiacs act by decreasing or removing some irrita- 
tion which is reflexly producing an aphrodisiac effect, but some 
probably act centrally. 



Drugs used as anaphrodisiacs are — 

(1) Bromides. 

(2) Potassium iodide. 

(3) Opium. 

(4) Belladonna. 



(5) Hyoscyamus. 

(6) Stramonium. 

(7) Digitalis. 

(8) Purgatives. 



C. Ecbolics or Oxytocics are remedies which during or 
immediately after parturition increase uterine action. 



They are — 

(1) Ergot. 

(2) Quinine. 

(3) Hydrastis. 



(4) Savine. 

(5) Rue. 

(6) Powerful purgatives. 



Of these ergot is by far the most important. Occasionally some of these 
drugs will act upon the gravid uterus to produce abortion before parturition has 
begun. They have all of them been used criminally for this purpose. 

D. Emmenagogues are substances used to increase the 
menstrual flow. Diminution of the menstrual flow is a symptom 
of so many diseases that a large number of drugs which remedy 
these are indirect emmenagogues, but the substances which seem 
to have a special action in increasing the menstrual flow are — 

8 



114 PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. 



(i) All Ecbolics. 


(6) Guaiacum. 


(2) [Manganese dioxide.] 


(7) Cantharides 


(3) Asafoetida. 


1 (8) Borax. 


(4) Apiol. 


(9) [Tansy.] 


(5) Myrrh. 





Among the many indirect emmenagogues the commoner are purgatives, 
iron, cod-liver oil and strychnine, which act by improving the general health. 
Hot foot- or hip-baths, especially if mustard be added, often aid the onset of 
menstruation. 

E. Substances which depress Uterine Action. — 

These are employed to restrain the contractions of the gravid 
uterus. 



They are — 

(1) Bromides. 

(2) Opium. 

(3) Chloral [hydrate. 

(4) Viburnum.] 



(5) Cannabis Indica. 

(6) Chloroform. 

(7) Antimony and potassium 

tartrate. 



F. Drugs acting on the Secretion of Milk. 

Galactagogues [are] drugs which increase the secretion of 
milk. 

[Pilocarpus, Leaves of Ricinus Communis,] and Alcohol. — Of these 
[pilocarpus] is the most powerful, but its effects soon pass off. [The leaves of 
the castor-oil plant are used, applied as a poultice, and a decoction, or the fluid 
extract of them, given internally at the same time.] Alcohol is very feeble. 
The secretion is so much under the control of the general health that the best 
way to insure an abundant secretion is to keep the general health as good as 
possible. 

Antigalactagogues [are] drugs which decrease the secre- 
tion of milk. 

Belladonna, either given internally or applied locally, is very efficient, 
probably acting on the mammary gland as on the sweat glands. 

The following drugs, if given, are excreted by the milk, and are therefore 
taken in by the child : — Oil of anise, oil of dill, garlic, oil of turpentine, oil of 
copaiba, and probably all volatile oils, sulphur, rhubarb, senna, jalap, scam- 
mony, castor oil, opium, iodine, indigo, antimony, arsenic, bismuth, iron, lead, 
mercury, zinc and potassium iodide. It is clear that these must be administered 



DRUGS ACTING ON METABOLISM. I I 5 

with care to the mother ; for example, copaiba or turpentine will make the 
milk so [unpleasant] that the child will not take it. The above purgatives, 
given to the mother, may cause diarrhoea in the child. Opium should not be 
given in large doses to the mother. On the other hand, mercury, arsenic, and 
potassium iodide may be administered to the child by being given to her. 

Division XII. — Drugs acting on Metabolism. 

Our knowledge of the normal metabolism of the body is very 
imperfect, consequently we know very little more than has already 
been stated under other divisions, about the action of drugs on 
metabolism. Any further remarks which are necessary will be 
made when the individual drugs are considered. Two words in 
common use are alterative and tonic. 

Alterative is a vague term of which no definition can be given. It is 
often used to cloak our ignorance, when we have no exact knowledge of the 
action of a drug. Many drugs comprehended under this term have the pro- 
perty of profoundly altering the body, especially if it be diseased ; for example, 
mercury will, if the patient be suffering from syphilis, generally cause the 
absorption of syphilitic exudations, but we do not know how this takes place. 
All that can be said about such drugs will be stated under each, for their mode 
of action is probably so different that no useful purpose would be served by 
considering them together. 

Tonic. — This is a term even more vague than alterative. So ill-defined 
is it that it is advisable never to use it if it can be avoided. As commonly 
employed, it means a drug which makes the patient feel in more robust health 
than he did before he took it. Obviously this may happen in many ways, such 
as, for instance, by improving the digestion or the quality of the blood. [This 
definition is evidently inadequate, and none thus far proposed is entirely sat- 
isfactory. The following is suggested (Wood) : A drug which so influences 
nutrition as to increase the reconstruction or upbuilding of the tissue or tissues 
concerned.] 



PHARMACOPOEIAL MATERIA MEDICA. 

(All the substances about to be described are pharmacopoeial unless the con- 
trary is stated. ) 



Part I.— INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

GROUP I. 

Aqua, Hydrogenii Dioxidum, Oxygenium. 

I. AQUA, [Water, H 2 0=I7.96. — Natural water in its purest attainable 
state. 

Characters. — A colorless, limpid liquid, without odor or taste at ordi- 
nary temperature, and remaining odorless while being heated to boiling. 

II. AQUA DESTILLATA.— Distilled water, H 2 0=i7. 9 6. 
Source. — Take iooo volumes of water, distill from a suitable apparatus 

provided with a block tin or glass condenser, reject the first ioo volumes, 
which contain volatile impurities, and preserve the next 800 in glass- stoppered 
bottles, rinsed with hot distilled water immediately before being filled. 

Characters. — A colorless, limpid liquid, without odor or taste, and per- 
fectly neutral to litmus paper. 

Tests. — Evaporated in a clean glass capsule on a water bath, no residue 
should remain. It is not affected by Hydrogen or Ammonium Sulphide 
(absence of metallic i?npurities), Ammonium Oxalate {Calcium'), Silver Nitrate 
{Chlorides), Barium Chloride {Sulphates), or Mercuric Chloride {Ammonia), 
nor should its transparency be affected when mixed with twice its volume of 
Calcic Hydrate test solution (absence of Carbon Dioxide). In heating to 
boiling and acidulating with diluted Sulphuric Acid and adding a one-tenth 
of one per cent, solution of Potassium Permanganate, the color produced is 
not entirely destroyed by boiling five minutes nor by afterwards setting the 
vessel aside, well covered, for ten hours (absence of organic or other oxidizablc 
matters)^. Aqua Destillata is always to be used for making up prescriptions 
(116) 



WATER. I 1 7 

Action of Water.* 

External.— An indifferent bath (88°— 9 8° F.) [31. i°— 
36. 6° C], or one in which the bather feels neither hot nor cold, 
produces no particular effect. 

Cold baths increase the production of heat, and abstract heat 
from the body if they are prolonged ; therefore, at first the 
bodily temperature may rise slightly, but when the loss exceeds 
the production it falls. The amount of carbon [dioxide] ex- 
pired is increased. The rate of the pulse and respiration at first 
rise, but they soon fall. The skin becomes pale, and the con- 
dition of goose-skin is seen. After the bath (the duration and 
temperature suitable for different persons vary widely) there is a 
feeling of warmth and exhilaration, and the cutaneous vessels 
dilate, [reaction]. 

A warm bath, if sufficiently prolonged, may cause a slight rise 
of the bodily temperature, the skin becomes red, the pulse and 
respiration are more frequent, the amount of urine secreted is 
diminished, and after the bath there is profuse perspiration. 

Internal. — Warm water gives rise to nausea and vomiting ; 
hot water, taken in small quantities at frequent intervals, may 
check both. Water is quickly absorbed from the stomach, and 
very soon afterwards the amount of urine secreted is greatly 
increased, and to a less degree the amount of bile, pancreatic 
juice, and saliva. Large quantities of fluid should not be drunk 
during meal times, as that impairs digestion. If a considerable 
amount of water is drunk daily, the amount of urea excreted is 
increased, and that of uric acid is diminished. Water not only 
washes out the tissues, but apparently renders tissue metamor- 
phosis more complete. 

Therapeutics of Water. 

External. — Cold baths are used for the subsequent exhila- 
rating effects, which may be increased by [brisk] rubbing with 
a rough towel. Persons in whom a feeling of warmth does not 



* Unless otherwise stated, the word action will in this hook always be 
taken to mean physiological action, or action in health. 



I 15 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

immediately follow a cold bath should not use it. The constant 
daily use of a cold bath probably diminishes the liability to catch 
cold. Cold baths are said to arrest attacks of laryngismus strid- 
ulus. They have been largely used to reduce the temperature in 
fever, especially typhoid fever. The first effect of putting the 
patient in the cold water is to cause, reflexly from the stimulation 
of the skin by the cold, an increased production of heat ; for 
this reason and because of the cessation of radiation, the rectal 
temperature at first rises' a little, but soon, owing to the direct 
abstraction of heat, and to the diminished production of heat 
which quickly sets in, it falls rapidly, and continues to do so 
after the patient is taken out. The temperature of a bath for a 
patient with typhoid fever should be between 68° and 5 8° F. 
[20 and 14. 4 C.]; he should be lowered into it by a sheet, 
and remain in ten minutes, unless before that time he shows 
signs of collapse ; he is then lifted back to bed, where a blanket 
is thrown loosely over him. If this treatment is adopted, the 
bath ought to be given whenever the axillary temperature is 103 
F. [39. 4 C.]. Sometimes the patient is placed in a bath at a 
temperature of io° F. [5.5 C] below his own, and the water 
is cooled by putting in cold water or ice, till it has fallen to 
about 68° F. [20 C], when he is taken out. [Brisk rubbing 
of the whole body should be carried out during the bath and the 
feet kept warm. Cold baths are no longer used in the treatment 
of typhoid fever with the notion that they reduce temperature. 
They are useful for the stimulation of the nervous system which 
they may possibly bring about to some degree and for the 
marked diuresis which they produce thus, supposedly, favoring 
the elimination of toxins in the urine.] Often, instead of having 
a bath, he is sponged with cold water as he lies in bed ; this 
saves trouble, but both sponging and a cold pack (which con- 
sists of a sheet four folds thick, wrung out in cold water and 
wrapped round the naked body for five or ten minutes) are in- 
ferior to a bath. Pneumonia is often treated by the applica- 
tion of cold, generally by means of ice poultices applied to the 
chest. To make an ice poultice, put on a piece of [rubber] 
tissue a layer of wood wool, then one of powdered ice sprinkled 



WATER. I 1 9 

with a little salt, turn over the edge of the [rubber tissue] — 
which has been left wide enough — so as to cover in the poultice, 
and seal the edges with a little chloroform or turpentine. Put 
the poultice in a flannel bag, and bind it on the body when de- 
sired, with lint between it and the skin. [The term "poul- 
tice ' ' is hardly a proper one to designate this method of apply- 
ing cold. See definition of poultice on p. ^.'j The immediate 
action of very cold baths is far the best treatment for any sudden 
hyperpyrexia. 

Cold is applied locally either by cold water in Leiter's coils 
or by ice bags, in a number of conditions, with the object of 
arresting inflammation. Thus ice bags are put on the head in 
meningitis, or concussion, and on the knee-joint for acute syno- 
vitis, etc. According to most authorities, cold contracts not 
only the vessels of the skin to which it is applied, but by reflex 
action those of the organs underneath it. This explains the ap- 
plication of an ice bag to the chest to arrest pulmonary haemor- 
rhage. Cold locally applied is, therefore, haemostatic. 

Warm baths, as they liquefy the fatty secretions, are more 
cleansing than cold. Hot baths, like any other application of 
heat, soothe pain ; hence they are useful for rheumatoid ar- 
thritis and colic, whether renal, biliary or intestinal. By bring- 
ing blood to the skin and lessening the amount in the internal 
organs, they relieve muscular spasm, such as we find in 
[spasmodic] stricture of the urethra, colic, laryngismus stridulus, 
other forms of laryngeal spasm, and infantile convulsions. In 
the same way they are of service in weariness from muscular or 
cerebral activity, and are useful in many inflammatory affections ; 
as, for example, a cold in the head. A warm bath immediately 
before going to bed may sometimes cure insomnia. [The prac- 
tice in asylums for the insane is to give a hot bath (104 F. ; 
40 C.) as a remedy for sleeplessness.] The subsequent in- 
creased perspiration makes hot baths and hot packs of great 
value in the various forms of nephritis and in uraemia. Great 
care must be taken, after a hot bath which has been given to 
induce sweating, to see that the patient is kept warm by being 
wrapped quickly in a hot blanket and put into a warm bed ; if 



120 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

not, the cutaneous vessels soon contract, and there is no diapho- 
resis. A local hot bath has the same effects, but to a less de- 
gree. A hot foot-bath is often used for a cold in the head, or 
for amenorrhcea. Sponging with hot water will, by the vascular 
dilatation and sweating it causes, reduce the temperature slightly 
in fever. 

A cold bath is one the temperature of which is below 70 ° F. 
[21 C], one between S8° and 98° F. [31. i° and 36. 6° C] is 
properly speaking indifferent, but it is often called a warm bath. 
A tepid bath is intermediate between warm and cold. Anything 
above 98 F. [36. 6° C] is a hot bath. Few people can bear a 
temperature much over 102 F. [38. 9 C.]. 

Internal. — The chief therapeutic use of water is to wash out 
the tissues, especially the kidneys, and to keep the urine diluted. 
Some persons who are liable to the formation of gravel or urin- 
ary calculi can, by drinking plenty of pure water, prevent their 
formation, for the minute collection of crystals which are the 
beginning of all calculi, are washed out of the ordinary system 
before they have time to grow to any size, and if they are com- 
posed of uric acid, the copious drinking of water diminishes the 
liability of their formation, for it decreases the amount of uric 
acid excreted. The liability to the formation of gall-stones may 
also be kept in check by the drinking of plenty of water, [since] 
then the bile becomes less concentrated and flows more quickly. 
When large quantities of water are drunk it should be pure dis- 
tilled water, and should be taken between meals. A glass of cold 
water taken on rising in the morning will with some persons cause 
the bowels to be opened. Warm water is an emetic* 

[III. AQUA HYDROGENII DIOXIDI.— Solution of Hydrogen 
Dioxide. Synonym. — Solution of Hydrogen Peroxide. 

A slightly acid, aqueous solution of Hydrogen Dioxide (H 2 2 = 33.92), 
containing, when freshly prepared, about 3 per cent., by weight, of the pure 
Dioxide, corresponding to about ten volumes of available oxygen. 

Source. — By solution of Barium Dioxide, 300 ; in cold distilled water 

* It is impossible in this book to give more than a brief sketch of baths 
and the drinking of water and mineral waters. Further information will be 
found in works on " General Therapeutics." 



HYDROGEN DIOXIDE. 121 

500, and refrigeration to 50 F. ; lo° C. Phosphoric Acid, 96 ; is dissolved in 
distilled water 320. The magma is added to the latter solution and thoroughly 
mixed, being kept acid by Phosphoric Acid. Filter and wash with distilled 
water. Add diluted Sulphuric Acid to the filtrate, and starch, 10 ; by agita- 
tion. Filter and re-filter until a clear solution is obtained. The bottle should 
be kept tightly corked. 

Characters. — A colorless liquid, without odor, slightly acidulous to the 
taste, and producing a peculiar sensation and soapy froth in the mouth ; liable 
to deterioriate by age, exposure to heat, or protracted agitation. Sp. gr. : about 
I.006 to 1. 012. 

Dose, 1 to 3 fl. dr. ; 4 to 12 c.c. 

Action of Hydrogen Dioxide. 

Hydrogen dioxide readily yields oxygen to all oxidizable 
substances. When taken internally it gives oxygen to the blood, 
stimulates the nervous system and increases urinary secretion. It 
is a non-poisonous antiseptic, destroying organized fermentations 
and liberating oxygen. It decomposes pus and probably destroys 
the microbes of suppuration. 

Therapeutics of Hydrogen Dioxide. 

Hydrogen dioxide seems to have a favorable action in some 
forms of dyspepsia, and to improve digestion. In diphtheria it is 
useful as a cleansing agent and to absorb false membranes, but 
should be used in glass or hard rubber instruments. Some com- 
mercial preparations are very acid, and therefore too irritating 
for this purpose. This acidity can be neutralized by adding 
twice its quantity of lime water. It will check bleeding, but from 
small vessels only. It is of great value in cleansing wounds, ulcers 
and fistulous tracts, and for surgical dressings : the cessation of 
frothing indicates the destruction of pus. But the converse of 
this is not true, for it will froth with perfectly normal blood. It 
should not be injected into a suppurating cavity unless there is 
a free outlet for the escape of the gas which is formed. Its most 
popular use is for bleaching the hair.] Internally it has been 
recommended for many diseases, especially diabetes, epilepsy, 
and uraemia, but there is no proof of its efficacy. It is danger- 
ous when given subcutaneously, for it is broken up by the blood ; 
and if more oxygen is formed than the blood can dispose of, 



122 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

gas emboli are produced, and, these lodging in the lungs, cause 
death from asphyxia. 

IV. [OXYGEN1UM, Oxygen (not official) O = 15.96. 

Source. — By exposing manganese dioxide with potassium chlorate to a 
strong heat. KC10 3 = KC1 -f 3 . 

Characters. — A colorless, odorless gas, slightly soluble in water and 
alcohol.] 

Compressed oxygen gas is sold in [metallic] cylinders. 

Action and Therapeutics of Oxygen. 

Oxygen inhalations are used in pneumonia, bronchitis, heart 
disease, convulsions, and any other condition accompanied by 
great lividity. This they will often relieve, and they may help 
a patient to tide over a temporary risk of death from asphyxia, 
and even if they fail to avert death, they often render the end 
less distressing. The gas should be allowed to issue in a gentle 
stream, and the inhaler should not be held too near the patient. 
[In various chronic conditions as anaemia, albuminuria, glycosuria 
and various forms of sub -oxidation, the persistent use of oxygen 
has given excellent results.] 



GROUP II. 

THE ALKALINE METALS. 

Potassium, Sodium, Ammonium, Lithium. 

I. POTASSIUM. 

K = [39-03- 

1. POTASSA— KOH = 55.99. Synonyms.— Potassium Hydrate. Po- 
tassium Hydroxide. Caustic Potash. 

Source. — Evaporate Liquor Potassae, fuse the residue and pour into clean 
cylindrical moulds which have been previously warmed. 

Characters. — Dry, white, translucent pencils, or fused masses, hard and 
brittle, showing a crystalline fracture ; odorless, or having a faint odor of lye, 
and of a very acrid and caustic taste. Great caution is necessary in tasting and 
handling it, as it rapidly destroys organic tissues. Exposed to the air, it rapidly 



THE ALKALINE METALS POTASH. I 23 

absorbs Carbon Dioxide and moisture, and deliquesces. Solubility. — In about 
0.5 part of water and in 2 parts of alcohol. 

Impurities. — Organic matter, arsenic, lead, iron, soda, aluminum, cal- 
cium, chlorides, sulphates, silicates, carbonates, and nitrates. 

Preparations. 

1. Liquor Potassae. Solution of Potassa. Synonym. — Solution of Potas- 
sium Hydrate. An aqueous solution of Potassium Hydrate (KOII =55.99), 
containing about 5 per cent, of the hydrate. 

Source. — Dissolve Potassium Bicarbonate in distilled water ; slake Lime, 
dissolve in distilled water and boil, add this to the first solution, continue to 
boil, strain when cold ; when it has bscome clear from subsidence, decant or 
siphon off the clear solution. K 2 C0 3 + Ca(OH ) 2 = 2KOH + CaC0 3 . Or it 
mny be prepared from a solution of Potassa, 56 parts of the full strength, di- 
rected by the U. S. P. (90 per cent), in distilled water (944 parts). 

Characters. — A clear colorless liquid, odorless, having a very acrid and 
caustic taste, and a strong alkaline reaction. Sp. gr. about 1. 036. 

Impurities. — See Potassa.] 

Incompatibles. — Acids, acid salts, metallic salts and preparations of am- 
monia, belladonna, hyoscyamus and stramonium, the alkaloids of these three 
being decomposed by caustic potash. All alkaloids are precipitated by 
alkalies. 

Dose, 5 to 30 m. ; [.30 to 2.00 c.c], freely diluted. 

2. Potassa cum Calce. — [Potassa with Lime. Synonyms. — Vienna 
Caustic. Vienna Paste. Potassa, 500 ; Lime, 500. Rubbed together in a 
warm, iron mortar. 

Characters. — A grayish-white powder, deliquescent, having a strongly 
alkaline reaction, and responding to the tests for Calcium and Potassium. 
Solubility. — In diluted hydrochloric acid without leaving more than a small 
residue. ] 

Action of Potash. 

External. — It is, if concentrated, a powerful irritant and 
caustic, acting by abstracting water from the part to which it is 
applied. It dissolves fatty matters that may be present on the 
surface. It is antacid, and, if freely diluted, sedative. 

Internal. — Mouth. — As alkalies check alkaline secretions, 
potash momentarily checks the secretion of saliva. 

Stomach. — Because alkalies stimulate acid secretions, the flow 
of gastric juice is excited, if alkalies are given before a meal, 
but if at the end of or after a meal the gastric juice already 



124 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

secreted is neutralized. Being readily diffusible, alkalies are 
quickly absorbed. 

Blood. — This is rendered more alkaline. Probably all alkalies 
circulate in the blood as carbonates, but their action as alkalizers 
of the blood is very transitory, for they are quickly excreted. 
The amount of haemoglobin, if it is deficient, is said to be in- 
creased. The continual use of alkalies diminishes the quantity 
of fat. 

Heart, — Large amounts of potassium salts are depressant 
to all muscular tissues, and therefore decrease the force of the 
heart, ultimately causing diastolic arrest by direct action on the 
cardiac muscle. 

Kidney. — Potassium salts are diuretic, acting directly on the 
renal epithelium. They are quickly excreted in the urine, ren- 
dering it alkaline, and thus increasing its power of holding uric 
acid in solution. 

Respiratory passages. — The bronchial secretion is increased 
in quantity, and it is rendered less viscid, but in some cases of 
bronchitis it is diminished. 

Muscle. — The prolonged contraction produced by veratrine, 
or barium salts, is abolished by potassium salts. They are direct 
muscular depressants, and depress also the nervous system, 
especially the brain and spinal cord. 

Metabolism. — Potassium salts, like all alkalies, if given in 
large doses, increase metabolism, leading to a greater oxidation 
of proteids and fats. 

Therapeutics of Potash. 

External.— Caustic potash is used to destroy lupus, and it 
was formerly employed to make issues. Care must be taken to 
limit its action, for it diffuses very rapidly. Liquor potassae is 
used to dissolve off the fatty matters and thoroughly cleanse the 
skin before operations, and weaker solutions of it are employed 
to remove the epidermis in certain chronic skin diseases. A 40 
per cent, solution is recommended to remove an ingrowing toe- 
nail, which is painted with the fluid, and in a few seconds is so 
softened that much can be scraped off. The procedure is 



THE ALKALINE METALS POTASH. I 25 

repeated till the nail that remains is sufficiently thin to be re- 
moved with a pair of fine scissors. Dilute solutions, acting as 
sedatives, relieve itching. 

Internal. — To obtain the effects of alkalies upon internal 
organs, potassium bicarbonate, citrate and acetate are preferable 
to potash, for that is apt to irritate the stomach ; but it is occa- 
sionally used in small doses as a gastric sedative for dyspepsia. 

Toxicology. — See Soda, p. 139. 

2. POTASSII CARBONAS.— [Potassium Carbonate. K 2 C0 3 = 
137.91.] Synonym. — Salt of Tartar. 

Source. — Pearlash, which, is a product of the lixiviation of wood ashes, is 
treated with water, which dissolves little but potassium carbonate, and the 
solution is evaporated. 

Characters. — A white, [granular powder, odorless, having a very strong 
alkaline taste; very deliquescent. Solubility. — In 1. 1 parts of water, and in 
0.65 part of boiling water; insoluble in alcohol. 

Impurities. — Sulphates, chlorides, nitrates, cyanides, earthy and metallic 
matters. 

Potassium Carbonate is used in preparing Mistura Ferri Composita, 
Pilulag Ferri Carbonatis (in which Ferrous Carbonate is formed), and Potassa 
Sulphurata. 

Dose, 5 to 30 gr. ; .30 to 2.00 gm.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Potassium Carbonate. 

These are the same as those of potash ; but the carbonate is 
less caustic. 



3. POTASSII BICARBONAS.— [Potassium Bicarbonate. KHCO s 
= 99.88. 

Source. — Pass Carbon Dioxide] through a solution of Potassium Car- 
bonate, and let the bicarbonate crystallize out. K 2 CO s -j- C0 2 -f- H 2 = 
2KHCO s . 

Characters. — [Colorless, transparent, monoclinic prisms, odorless, and 
having a saline and slightly alkaline taste. Permanent in the air. Solubility. 
— In 3.2 parts of water ; almost insoluble in Alcohol. 

Impurities. — The carbonate, chlorides, and iron. 

Potassium Bicarbonate is used in preparing Liquor Potassii Arsenitis, 
Liquor Potassii Citratis, and Potassii Citras Effervescens. 

Dose, 5 to 60 gr. ; .30 to 4.00 gm.] 



126 inorganic materia medica. 

Action of Potassium Bicarbonate. 

Potassium bicarbonate is too feebly caustic to be of any use 
for this purpose. Otherwise its actions are those of potash. 

Therapeutics of Potassium Bicarbonate. 

Stomach. — Potassium bicarbonate may be given before meals 
to stimulate the flow of gastric juice ; and as it is a gastric seda- 
tive, it is useful in painful dyspepsia accompanied by a scanty 
secretion of gastric juice. The increase of the antiseptic acid 
secretion is valuable in cases of dyspepsia associated with fer- 
mentation in the stomach. It may be taken after meals if too 
much acid is secreted, and the patient suffers from acid eruc- 
tations, especially if pain be present also ; but it is better treat- 
ment to remove the cause of the dyspepsia. It is not a common 
remedy for dyspepsia, sodium bicarbonate being usually pre- 
ferred. Either is beneficial when much mucus is present, for 
this is rendered less viscid by alkalies. It should not be used as 
an alkali in cases of poisoning by mineral acids, because of the 
evolution of carbon [dioxide,] gas. Bicarbonates are used in 
preference to carbonates, as the latter are far too strongly 
alkaline for the stomach. Potash water is often drunk as an 
effervescing water instead of soda water. It should be a [half 
of a one per cent.] solution of potassium bicarbonate in water, 
into which [carbon dioxide] gas under a pressure of four atmos- 
pheres has been passed. 

Blood. — Potassium bicarbonate circulates in the blood as the 
carbonate. It was formerly much used in rheumatic fever, but 
is now superseded by the salicylates. Probably it did no good. 
In gout it is given to increase the alkalinity of the blood, which 
contains an excess of uric acid, but there is no evidence that it 
benefits gout, and the many alkaline mineral waters used for this 
disease are efficacious because they dilute the plasma, and so ren- 
der it more capable of holding uric acid in solution. Potassium 
bicarbonate is believed to be hsematinic, that is to say, it is 
thought to increase the amount of haemoglobin ; but as for this 



THE ALKALINE METALS POTASH. \2J 

purpose it is usually given with iron, its hsematinic power has 
not yet been proved. 

Kidneys. — It is not much used for its diuretic effect and its 
alkalizing power over the urine, as the vegetable salts are prefer- 
able. 

4. POTASSII ACETAS.— [Potassium Acetate. KC 2 H 3 2 = 97.89. 

Source. — Add Acetic Acid in excess to Potassium Carbonate or Bicarbon- 
ate. Evaporate to dryness and fuse the residue. K 2 C0 3 -j- 2HC 2 H 3 2 .= 
2KC 2 H 3 2 -f- H 2 -j- C0 2 . Or, if the bicarbonate, which is preferable, is 
used, KHC0 3 -f HC 2 H 3 2 = KC 2 H 3 G 2 + H 2 + C0 2 . 

Characters. — A white powder or crystalline masses of a satiny lustre, 
odorless and having a warming saline taste ; very deliquescent. Solubility. — 
In 0.36 part of water, and 1.9 parts of Alcohol. 

Impurities. — The carbonate and metallic impurities. 

Dose, 5 to 60 gr. ; .30 to 4.00 gm.] 

5. POTASSII CITRAS.— [Potassium Citrate. K 3 C 6 H 5 C\ -f H 2 = 

3 2 3-59- 

Source. — Neutralize Potassium Carbonate with a solution of Citric 
Acid, and evaporate to dryness. 3K 2 C0 3 -(- 2H 3 C 6 H 5 7 = 2K 3 C 6 H 5 7 -\- 
3 H 2 + 3 C0 2 . 

Characters. — Transparent, prismatic crystals or a white, granular pow- 
der, odorless and having a cooling, saline taste. Deliquescent on exposure to 
the air. Solubility. — In 0.6 part of water ; sparingly in Alcohol. 

Impurities. — Carbonates, chlorides, and tartrates. 

Dose, 5 to 30 gr. ; .30 to 2.00 gm.] 

Preparation. 

Liquor Potassii Citratis. — Solution of Potassium Citrate. Syn- 
onym. — Mistura Potassii Citratis. Citric Acid, 6 j Potassium Bicarbon- 
ate, 8 ; water to 100. The acid and the bicarbonate are dissolved 
separately and the solutions mixed. It contains about 9 per cent, of 
anhydrous Potassium Citrate. 

Dose, 1 to 8 fl. dr. ; 4. to 30. c.c. 

6. POTASSII CITRAS EFFERVESCENS.— Effervescent Potas- 
sium Citrate. Citric Acid, 63 ; Potassium Bicarbonate, 90 ; Sugar, 47. 

Source. — Powder the ingredients separately, and mix them thoroughly in 
a warm mortar. Dry the resulting, uniform paste rapidly, and when it is per- 
fectly dry, reduce it to a powder of the desired degree of fineness. H 3 C 6 H 5 7 
+ 3KHCO3 + H 2 = K 3 C 6 H 5 7 + 3 C0 2 + 4 H 2 0. 

Characters. — A fine, white powder, odorless, and having a sweetish, 
saline taste. Solubility. — Completely in water, with effervescence. 

Dose, 5 to 60 gr. ; .30 to 4.00 gm.] 



128 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Action of Potassium Citrate and Acetate. 

External. — No action. Being neutral, they are not even 
antacid. 

Internal. — These are the least irritating to the stomach of 
all potassium salts ; being neutral, they have no action on gastric 
juice. They circulate as potassium carbonate. Both are more 
powerfully diuretic than any other potassium salts, and act by 
directly stimulating the renal cells. They are diaphoretic, 
especially the citrate ; but neither of them causes a great increase 
of the perspiration. How they produce this effect is not certainly 
known. 

Therapeutics of Potassium Citrate and Acetate. 

As neither impairs digestion, they are chiefly used for remote 
effects. 

Blood. — They have been largely given for rheumatic fever, but 
are now rarely employed. Many believe both salts are of great 
value in gout ; if that is so, it is doubtful how they act, for 
they do not increase the power of blood plasma to dissolve so- 
dium biurate. They are powerfully antiscorbutic ; that is to 
say, they prevent scurvy ; but they are not so efficacious as 
lemon -juice, lime-juice, and fresh vegetables. 

* Kidneys. — Although in health the diuresis produced by the 
potassium citrate and acetate is slight, and the urea and other 
solids of the urine are actually decreased, yet clinical experience 
points clearly to the fact that both these salts are, in chronic 
Bright' s disease, powerful diuretics. They are frequenly used 
in this disease and in feverish conditions, and also to increase the 
amount of urine, and thus to remove pathological fluids in cases 
of pleuritic effusion, ascites, etc. Diuretics are best combined, 
and the following is a good mixture : Potassium acetate, 20 gr. 
[1.20 gm.] ; tincture of squill, 10 m [. 60 c.c] ; spirit of nitrous 
ether, 30 m. [2.00 c.c] ; juice of broom, 1 fl. 5 [4.00 c.c] ; 
water to 8 fig [30.00 c.c ; juice of broom, B. P., is obtained 
by bruising fresh broom tops, expressing the juice, adding one- 
third part of alcohol and filtering after seven days] . 

They render the urine alkaline, and are much employed for 



THE ALKALINE METALS POTASH. I 29 

this purpose, having the advantage over other potassium salts 
that they do not derange digestion. Not only do they prevent 
the precipitation of uric acid, and thus hinder the formation of 
uric acid gravel, but they will dissolve small uric acid calculi. 
Roberts states that to keep the urine at the alkalinity necessary 
for this purpose, 40 to 60 gr. [2.50 to 4.00 gm.] of the acetate 
or citrate should be dissolved in four ounces [120. c.c] of water, 
and taken every four hours. If more than this is used, harm is 
done ; for an insoluble biurate forms on the surface of the cal- 
culus. With many patients it suffices if such a dose in a tumbler 
of water be taken at bed -time ; for during the night the acidity 
of the urine is highest, as there is no alkaline tide due to meals. 
Owing to the depressing action of potassium salts, they should 
be used with care in persons suffering from heart disease. 

Skin. — Both these salts may be used in slight pyrexia, such 
as that of a common cold, on account of their diaphoretic 
properties. 

Lungs. — These salts, like the carbonates and bicarbonates, 
are mild saline expectorants, especially suitable for cases of bron- 
chitis with viscid, scanty expectoration, as they increase the 
secretion and lessen the viscidity. The iodide is, however, still 
more efficacious. 

7. POTASSII SULPHAS.— [Potassium Sulphate. K 2 S0 4 = 173.88. 
Source. — Add Potassium Carbonate to Acid Potassium Sulphate, which 

is a bye-product of the manufacture of Nitric Acid. K 2 C0 3 -j- 2KHS0 4 = 
2 K 2 S0 4 +C0 2 + H 2 0. 

Characters. — Hard, colorless, transparent, six-sided, rhombic prisms 
terminated by pyramids, or a white powder, odorless, and having a somewhat 
bitter, saline taste. Solubility. — In 9.5 parts of water ; insoluble in Alcohol. 

Impurities. — Sodium, arsenic, lead, copper, zinc, iron, aluminum, cal- 
cium, magnesia and chlorides. 

Dose, y z to 4 dr. ; 2. to 15. gm. 

8. POTASSII BITARTRAS.— Potassium Bitartrate. KH 4 C 4 H0 6 = 
187.67. Synonyms. — Acid Potassium Tartrate. Cream of Tartar. 

Source. — Obtained from crude Tartar (argol) deposited on the sides of 
wine casks during the fermentation of grape juice, and purified by boiling 
water, filtration through charcoal and crystallization. 

Characters. — Colorless or slightly opaque rhombic crystals ; or a fine, 
white, somewhat gritty powder, odorless, and having a pleasant, acidulous 
taste. Solubility. — In 201 parts of water; very sparingly soluble in Alcohol. 

9 



I30 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Impurities. — : Calcium tartrate, copper, lead, and iron. 
Potassium Bitartrate is contained in Pulvis Jalapae Compositus. ] 
Dose, 20 to 60 gr. ; [1.20 to 4.00 gm.] (diuretic and refrigerant) ; ^ to 
4 dr. ; [2, to 15. gm. ;] (purgative). 

Action of Potassium Bitartrate and Sulphate. 

External. — One of these being only slightly acid and the 
other neutral, they have none of the external caustic or antacid 
properties of other potassium salts. 

Internal. — Intestines. — Both salts are typical hydragogue 
saline purges, producing easy, soft, watery motions without 
griping. They abstract fluid from the blood, and cause it to be 
poured into the intestine. Their mode of action has already 
been fully described (see p. 93). 

Liver. — Potassium sulphate is a moderate cholagogue, 
slightly increasing the biliary flow. 

Kidney. — The bitartrate is diuretic, because a small 
amount of it is, in the intestine, converted into a carbonate and 
absorbed, and this acts directly on the renal cells. Hence it 
renders the urine alkaline. But all the sulphate and most of 
the bitartrate is excreted with the faeces, and if, as seems proba- 
ble, some is absorbed by the small intestine in the form in which 
it is taken, it is excreted again into the colon. 

Therapeutics of Potassium Bitartrate and Sulphate. 

Internal. — Intestines. — These excellent purgatives are fre- 
quently used, especially for habitual sluggishness of the bowels. 
A dose should .be dissolved in a tumbler of [hot] water, and 
sipped during dressing. They may be employed to open the 
bowels in cases, such as dropsy or uraemia, in which we wish to 
eliminate as much fluid as possible. They should for this pur- 
pose be given in a concentrated form, for then a large amount 
of fluid will be secreted from the intestine to bring the solution 
of the salt to that degree of dilution at which it will act. Com- 
pound jalap powder [which contains potassium bitartrate] is also 
much used for this class of cases. The sulphate having some 
cholagogue action, is to be preferred when it is believed that the 
liver is at fault. 



THE ALKALINE METALS — POTASH. I 3 I 

Liver. — These salts are often given to those who suffer from 
gall-stones, although no potassium salts have any power to dis- 
solve gall-stones, but the sulphate does good as a cholagogue. 

Kidney. — The bitartrate is sometimes used as a diuretic in 
the same class of cases as the acetate and citrate. A very pleas- 
ant drink for feverish patients is Imperial drink. It contains 
potassium bitartrate, 60 gr. [4.00 gm.] ; saccharin, 1 gr. [.06 
gm.] 1 oil of lemon, 3 m [.20 c.c] ; to a pint [500. c.c] of 
boiling water. 

g. POTASSII NITR AS.— [Potassium Nitrate. KN0 3 = 100.92. 
Synonyms. — Nitre. Saltpetre. 

Source. — Purified native Saltpetre. 

Characters. — Colorless, transparent, six-sided rhombic prisms or a crys- 
talline powder, odorless, and having a cooling, saline and pungent taste. 
Solubility. — In 3.8 parts of water ; very sparingly soluble in Alcohol. 

Impurities. — Sulphates, chlorides and lime, and the metals. 

Potassmm Nitrate is used to prepare Argenti Nitras Dilutus. 

Dose, 5 to 20 gr. ; .30 to 1.20 gm. 

Preparation. 

Charta Potassii Nitratis. — Potassium "Nitrate Paper. Potassium 
Nitrate, 200 ; distilled water, 800. Dissolve the Potassium Nitrate in 
the Distilled Water. Immerse strips of white, unsized paper in the solu- 
tion, and dry them.] 

Action of Potassium Nitrate. 

External. — Nothing noteworthy. 

Internal. — Stomach and Intestines. — It is liable to cause 
nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, symptomatic of the gastritis and 
enteritis produced by it. 

Blood. — Owing to its high diffusion power it quickly passes 
into the blood unchanged. External to the body, nitrates pre- 
vent the coagulation of the blood, or dissolve the clot if it be 
already formed ; but it is not known that they have any effect 
on the blood in the body. 

Heart. — Potassium nitrate is a powerful cardiac depressant, 
causing the beats to become feeble and few. Large doses lead 
to great weakness, fainting, and death. 

Kidneys. — Small doses are diuretic from their direct action 



1 32 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

on the renal cells, but large ones are liable to inflame the urinary 
passages, causing hematuria. The drug is excreted unchanged 
in the urine. 

Skin. — Potassium nitrate is a mild diaphoretic. 

[Lungs. — Large doses retard respiration and tend to paralyze 
unstriped muscular fibre.] 

Therapeutics of Potassium Nitrate. 

Internal. — Blood. — On account of its supposed action in 
preventing the coagulation of the living blood, it has been used 
in rheumatic fever and many inflammatory conditions, but it is 
now discarded. Probably, as it is a cardiac depressant, it only 
does harm. 

Kidneys and Skin. — It is sometimes employed as a diuretic 
and diaphoretic in febrile conditions, but the acetate and the 
citrate are much preferable. 

Asthma. — [Potassium nitrate is an anti -spasmodic for the rea- 
son given above.] For the treatment of this [symptom] potas- 
sium nitrate paper, in pieces about 1^ inches [4. cm.] square, 
is lighted, one at a time, and the patient inhales the fumes. 
Ringer considers it better to dip the paper also into a solution 
of potassium chlorate, and to burn a piece large enough to fill a 
whole room with the fumes. This treatment often relieves, and 
nitre is a common ingredient of [so-called] asthma powders. 

10. POTASSII CH LOR AS. — [Potassium Chlorate. KC10 3 =I22.28. 

Source. — Pass Chlorine into a mixture of Potassium Carbonate and Slaked 
Lime ; then treat the result in boiling water and separate the Chlorate by re- 
crystallization. K 2 C0 3 -f 6Ca(OH ) 2 -f 6C1 2 =2KC10 3 -f- 5CaCl 2 -f CaC0 3 -f- 
6H 2 0. - 

Characters. — Colorless, lustrous monoclinic prisms or plates, or a white 
powder, odorless and having a cooling, saline taste. Easily explodes on tritu- 
ration with many substances, especially Sugar, Sulphur, Tannic Acid, Metallic 
Sulphides, Phosphorus, Charcoal, and Glycerin. Solubility. — In 16. 7 parts 
of water ; insoluble in absolute Alcohol. 

Impurities. — Calcium chloride and lime. 

Dose, 3 to 20 gr. ; .20 to 1.20 gm.] 

Preparation. 

Trochisci Potassii Chloratis. — [Troches of Potassium Chlorate. 
Potassium Chlorate, 30; Sugar, 120 ; Tragacanth, 6 gm. ; Spirit of 



THE ALKALINE METALS POTASH. I 33 

Lemon, I c.c. ; water, a sufficient quantity to make iod troches. Mix 
the Sugar with the Tragacanth and the Spirit of Lemon by trituration in 
a mortar ; then transfer the mixture to a sheet of paper, and, by means 
of a bone spatula, mix with it the Potassium Chlorate, being careful, by 
avoiding trituration or pressure, to prevent the mixture from igniting or 
exploding. Lastly, with water, form a mass. Each troche contains 5 
gr. ; .30 gm.] 

Dose, 1 to 6 troches. 

Action of Potassium Chlorate. 

External. — It is easily decomposed by septic tissues, and the 
nascent oxygen given off acts as a stimulant and antiseptic to 
them. 

Internal. — Stomach and Intestines. — Small doses have no 
effect ; poisonous ones produce symptoms similar to those in- 
duced by the nitrate. 

Blood. — Here also small doses have no effect, but several 
cases of poisoning show that in large doses potassium chlorate 
disintegrates the red corpuscles, and converts haemoglobin into 
methaemoglobin. The altered blood causes the skin to be 
cyanotic, it is passed by the urine, which is, therefore, dark- 
colored, and contains granular debris, and thus the urine is ex- 
actly like that met with in paroxysmal hsemoglobinuria. 
The liver and spleen are enlarged. There may be jaundice and 
haematemesis, and the marrow of the bones becomes very vas- 
cular. Nephritis is induced, the tubules are blocked by the 
debris of the blood, and so the urine is scanty. Death occurs 
from cardiac weakness or uraemia. 

As potassium chlorate easily yields up its oxygen, some believe 
that it gives off part of its oxygen to the tissues while it is cir- 
culating in the blood, but much of it is excreted unchanged in 
the urine and other excretions. 

Therapeutics of Potassium Chlorate. 

This drug is used empirically for stomatitis, tonsillitis, and 
pharyngitis of all varieties, either as lozenges, gargle (1 to 50 
parts of water or decoction of cinchona), or to be swallowed in 
solution, for it is then excreted by the saliva. Its action is there- 



134 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

fore always local, as it is beneficial [by] virtue of the nascent 
oxygen given off from it. It is especially valuable for ulcer- 
ative stomatitis. It has been given to women liable to 
miscarry. 

ii. POTASSII PERMANGANAS, see Manganese. 

12. [POTASSII ET SODII TARTRAS, ^Sodium.] 

13. POTASSII IODIDUM, see Iodine. 

14. POTASSII BROMIDUM, see Bromine. 

15. POTASSA SULPHURATA, see Sulphur. 

16. POTASSII FERROCYANIDUM.— [Potassium Ferrocyanide. 
K 4 Fe(CN) 6 -[- 3H 2 =421. 76. Synonym. — Yellow Prussiate of Potash. 

Potassium Ferrocyanide is used to prepare Acidum Hydrocyanicum Di- 
lutum, and Potassii Cyanidum ; also as a test for iron, copper and zinc] 

17. POTASSII CYANIDUM.— [Potassium Cyanide. KCN = 65.01. 
Source. — Heat in an iron crucible dried Potassium Ferrocyanide, 8 ; with 

Potassium Carbonate, 3 ; until effervescence ceases. 

Characters. — White, opaque, amorphous pieces, or a white, granular 
powder, odorless when perfectly dry, but in moist air exhales the odor of Hy- 
drocyanic Acid. This salt is very poisonous. Solubility. — In about 2 parts 
of water and sparingly in alcohol. 

Dose, 2V to X g r - ; -°°3 to .015 gm. 

Preparation. 
Acidum Hydrocyanicum Dilutum. — Diluted Hydrocyanic 
Acid. — HCN [=26.98. Synonym. — Prussic Acid. A liquid com- 
pound of 2 per cent., by weight, of absolute Hydrocyanic Acid, and 
98 per cent, of water.] 
Source. — Distil a mixture of Potassium Ferrocyanide, 20 ; Sulphuric 
Acid, 8 ; and water, 65, into distilled water. K 4 FeC 6 N 6 -f 2H 2 S0 4 = 2K 2 S0 4 
-|- H 4 FeC 6 N 6 . On the application of heat the Hydroferrocyanic Acid reacts 
with the remaining Potassium Ferrocyanide and Sulphuric Acid, and Hydro- 
cyanic Acid distils over. H 4 FeC 6 N 6 -f K 4 FeC 6 N 6 + H 2 S0 4 = 6HCN -f 
K 2 S0 4 +K 2 Fe(FeC 6 N 6 ). The distillate is diluted with distilled water until 
the official strength is obtained. [Diluted Hydrocyanic Acid may also be pre- 
pared, extemporaneously, in the following manner : Mix Hydrochloric Acid, 
5, with distilled water, 55 ; add Silver Cyanide, 6, and shake the whole to- 
gether in a glass-stoppered bottle. When the precipitate has subsided, pour 
off the clear liquid.] Scheele's Prussic Acid is a 4 or 5 per cent, solution. 

Characters. — A colorless [liquid, of a characteristic odor and taste, 
resembling that of bitter almond]. Very unstable ; to preserve it best, it 
should be kept in inverted blue- stoppered bottles. Old specimens may be 
inert. 



THE ALKALINE METALS POTASH. I 35 

Incompatibles. — Salts of silver, copper and iron, red mercuric oxide and 
sulphides. 

Impurities. — Sulphuric and hydrochloric acids. 

Dose, i to 3 m. ; [.06 to .20 c.c. 

Hydrocyanic acid belongs chemically to the Carbon compounds, but on ac- 
count of its physiological and therapeutical relationship to Potassium Cyanide 
it is considered at this place.] 

Action of Potassium Cyanide and Diluted Hydrocyanic 

Acid. 

External. — Hydrocyanic acid can pass through the epider- 
mis, and then it paralyzes the terminations of the sensory nerves ; 
thus it is a local anaesthetic and sedative. It is very 
rapidly absorbed from raw surfaces, and may cause poisoning if 
applied to them. [Potassium cyanide may possibly give the 
same results. It also produces a dermatitis on local application 
to the epidermis.] 

Internal. — Alimentary tract. — Hydrocyanic acid is quickly 
[and potassium cyanide less rapidly] absorbed by mucous mem- 
branes, and has the same anaesthetic and sedative effect on the 
mouth and stomach as on the skin. It must always be employed 
[well diluted] . A single drop of the pure acid placed inside the 
eye of even a moderately large animal will kill it instantly. 

Blood. — If death takes place almost immediately after the 
administration of the drug, all the blood in the body is a bright 
arterial tint ; but if death does not occur for some little time 
(within half an hour), the blood is of a dark venous color. The 
primary transitory reddening of the venous blood is due to the 
fact that the haemoglobin in it is oxidized ; we do not know the 
cause of this. The subsequent darkening of the arterial blood is 
due to the fact that it has lost its oxygen, and contains carbon 
[dioxide] gas ; why this should be is not certain, but probably it 
depends upon the asphyxia consequent upon the action of hydro- 
cyanic acid on the respiratory centre. If blood be shaken up 
with [hydrocyanic] acid, after some time oxyhaemoglobin is con- 
verted into cyanohaemoglobin, the oxygen being turned out. 
[Hydrocyanic] acid added to drawn blood alters the shape of 
the red blood-corpuscles. Neither of these actions is seen in 



I36 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

life, for sufficient [hydrocyanic] acid to cause them would kiK 
before they could take place. 

Heart. — Large doses cause instantaneous diastolic arrest. 
As this is also true if the drug is applied locally, we may con- 
clude that large doses paralyze the heart directly. But [hydro- 
cyanic] acid acts also on the cardiac centre in the medulla. A 
small dose will cause a slowing of the pulse from stimulation of 
the vagus centre, and the stoppage from larger doses is due both 
to the direct action on the heart and to that on the medulla. 

Vaso-motor system. — The vaso-motor centre in the medulla is 
first briefly stimulated, but soon profoundly paralyzed ; blood- 
pressure therefore falls very low. 

Respiration: — The respiratory centre is paralyzed even more 
readily than the cardiac or vaso-motor centres, consequently 
the respirations quickly diminish both in force and frequency. 
Unless the heart has been instantaneously stopped by a large 
dose, asphyxia is the cause of death, and the heart goes on beat- 
ing after the respirations have stopped. Occasionally, if the 
dose be small, all three centres may be at first very transitorily 
stimulated, so that for a few seconds the pulse and respiration 
may be increased in frequency, and blood-pressure may rise. 

Nervous system. — Cerebrum. — Medicinal doses of [hydro- 
cyanic] acid have no effect on the cerebrum. Toxic doses cause 
deep insensibility and coma. In man convulsions are rarely 
seen ; in animals they are common. It is probable that the 
coma and convulsions are due to the direct effect on the brain, 
but they may in part be due to the altered circulation through 
it, or the asphyxia. 

Peripheral nerves and muscles. — In animals dead of [hydro- 
cyanic] acid poisoning these are unexcitable. This paralyzing 
effect is due to direct action on the nerves and muscles them- 
selves, for it does not occur in the peripheral part of a limb if it is 
connected with the rest of the body only by its nerve. In this 
case, as no blood is circulating through the distal part of the limb, 
no [hydrocyanic] acid reaches it ; but if the acid be applied 
locally to the severed limb, the nerve and muscles are paralyzed. 
This explains the local anaesthetic effect of [hydrocyanic] acid. 



THE ALKALINE METALS POTASH. I 37 

Shortly before death the spinal cord is paralyzed. The pupil 
is dilated. We do not know of any effect of [hydrocyanic] acid 
on the kidneys, nor how it is excreted. It slightly reduces the 
temperature. 

Therapeutics of Potassium Cyanide and Diluted Hydro- 
cyanic Acid. 

External. — Lotions of a strength of about [i to 48] of the 
diluted acid in water are valuable for allaying itching due to any 
cause. If the skin is abraded they must not be used. 

Internal. — [Hydrocyanic acid may be administered as the 
official diluted acid, oil of bitter almond (3 to 14 per cent, of 
acid), bitter almond water, cherry laurel water (B. P.), the fluid 
extract, infusion and syrup of wild cherry, and as potassium 
cyanide. Reference should be made to each of these.] Small 
doses, 2 to 3 minims [. 12 to .20 c.c] of the diluted acid, are used 
for their sedative effect on the nerves of the stomach, to allay 
vomiting, and to relieve gastric pain, whatever be their cause, 
and often with good effect. A useful way of giving it is in an 
effervescent draught. [Since the effect of the remedy is tran- 
sient, it should be given at frequent intervals.] It is a common 
ingredient of cough mixtures, for by its depressing effect on the 
central nervous system it diminishes reflex excitability, and is 
consequently most serviceable for a dry, hacking cough by means 
of which nothing is expectorated. [The uses of potassium 
Cyanide are similar to those of hydrocyanic acid.] 

Toxicology. 

Symptoms. — With a large dose [of hydrocyanic acid] the symptoms usually 
begin in a few seconds ; it is rare for them to be delayed more than two minutes. 
The patient is perfectly insensible ; the eyes are fixed and glistening, the pupils 
dilated, the limbs flaccid, the skin cold and clammy. The respiration is slow, 
deep and convulsive ; the pulse almost imperceptible. [Hydrocyanic acid kills 
by respiratory failure, j Post-mortem. — There may be an odor of [hydrocyanic] 
acid about the body, which is very livid. The fingers are clenched, the jaws 
firmly closed and there is froth at the mouth ; the eyes are fixed and glistening 
and the pupils dilated. The stomach may be a little reddened ; the blood is 
very dark. 

Treatment. — Wash out the stomach immediately ; [the physician almost 



I38 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

never has the opportunity.] If emetics are available, large doses must be 
given promptly, for every moment is important. [Vomiting may be induced 
by inserting the finger into the throat. ] Give ether or brandy and ^ gr. 
[.0013 gm.] of atropine subcutaneously. Use inhalations of Ammonia and 
artificial respiration. [Cold affusions, or alternately hot and cold, may be 
available. Antal, from an experience of forty instances of poisoning, believes 
that Cobalt nitrate is the best chemical antagonist. A thirty per cent, solu- 
tion of hydrogen dioxide may be employed to wash out the stomach. Intra- 
venous injections of sodium hyposulphite (producing theoretically the rela- 
tively harmless sulphocyanide) enable animals to survive an otherwise lethal 
dose. ] 

18. POTASSII BICHROMAS, see Chromium. 

19. POTASSII HYPOPHOSPHIS, ^ Phosphorus. 

II. SODIUM. 

Na=23.o. 

1. [SODA. — NaOH=39.86. Synonyms. — Caustic Soda. Sodium Hy- 
drate. Sodium Hydroxide. 

Source. — Dissolve Sodium Carbonate in boiling distilled water. Slake 
Lime and dissolve in distilled water, adding this in small portions at a time to 
the solution of Sodium Carbonate, boil, strain when cold, set aside until clear 
and remove the clear solution. Evaporate this solution to an oily consistence 
and pour into moulds. Na 2 C0 3 +Ca(OH) 2 =2NaOH+CaC0 3 . 

Characters. — Dry, white, translucent pencils, or fused masses, showing 
a crystalline fracture, odorless, and having an acrid and caustic taste. 

Impurities. — Lime, sulphates, chlorides and carbonates. 

Preparation. 

Liquor Sodae. — Solution of Soda. Synonym. — Solution of 
Sodium Hydrate. 

Source. — An aqueous solution of Sodium Carbonate is boiled with 
slaked Lime. The supernatant liquid is then siphoned off. Na 2 C0 3 -|- 
Ca(OH) 2 =2NaOH-j-CaC0 3 . Or it may be prepared by dissolving Soda, 
56 ; in distilled water, 944. The Soda must be of the full strength, as 
directed by the U. S. P. (90 per cent. ). 

Characters. — A clear, colorless liquid, odorless, having a very 
acrid and caustic taste, and a strong alkaline reaction. Sp. gr. , 1.059. 
Strength, about 5 per cent, of the Hydrate. 

Impurities. — As of Soda. 

Incompatibles. — The same as of Potassa. {See p. 122.) 

Dose, 5 to 20 m. ; .30 to 1.20 c.c, freely diluted. 

Action of Soda. 
It is in all respects, save one, similar in its action to potash. 
The difference is, that sodium salts are all much less depressant 



THE ALKALINE METALS SODA. I 39 

to the cardiac, muscular, and nervous systems, and therefore far 
less poisonous than potassium salts. 

Therapeutics of Soda. 
It is very little used. Potash is almost always preferred.] 

Toxicology. 

Poisoning by caustic alkalies is very rare ; usually it takes place either by 
Potash, Soda, Pearlash (Potassium Carbonate), or soap lees (Sodium Carbon- 
ate). (Both the last are impure. They contain caustic Soda or Potash.) 

Symptoms. — A caustic taste is experienced, and is quickly followed by 
symptoms of gastro-intestinal irritation, viz. , burning heat in the throat, vom- 
iting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain, together with those of depression, viz. , a 
feeble, quick pulse, and a cold clammy skin. Soon the lips, tongue, and 
throat become swollen, soft and red. Post-mortem appearances. — The mucous 
membrane of the mouth, tongue, stomach and oesophagus, and occasionally 
that of the larynx, is excoriated, dark, softened and inflamed. 

Treatment. — Wash out the stomach or give emetics, as Zinc Sulphate, 
20 gr. [1.20 gm.] ; or powdered Ipecacuanha, 30 gr. [2.00 gm.] ; or Copper 
Sulphate, 5 gr. [.30 gm.], in half a pint [240. c.c] of tepid water ; or Vinum 
Ipecacuanhas, fl.^j [30. c.c] ; or mustard, a tablespoonful [16. gm.] in half a 
pint [240. c.c] of tepid water ; or common salt, 2 tablespoonfuls [30. gm.] in 
half a pint [240. c.c] of tepid water ; or -jL gr. [.006 gm.] of apomorphine 
[hydrochlorate] hypodermatically. If none of these are handy, give plenty 
of warm water and tickle the back of the throat. Then give feeble acids, as 
diluted Lemon juice, diluted solution of Citric Acid, Vinegar, [or] diluted 
Acetic Acid. Then demulcents, as oil, [flaxseed] tea, or water and white 
of egg. 

2. SODII CARBONAS. — [Sodium Carbonate, Na 2 C0 3 + ioH 2 = 
285.45. Synonyms. — Sal] Soda. Washing Soda. 

Source. — Made thus : — First stage, Sodium Chloride and Sulphuric Acid 
are heated together. 2NaCl -f- H 2 S0 4 = Na 2 So 4 + 2HCI. Second stage, the 
Sodium Sulphate is heated with Carbon. Na 2 S0 4 -j- 4C = Na 2 S -f- 4CO. Third 
stage, the Sodium Sulphide is heated with chalk. Na 2 S -\- CaC0 3 = Na 2 C0 3 
+ CaS. 

[It is also made from Cryolite, a mineral found in Greenland. Cryolite 
and chalk are heated to redness, producing Calcium Fluoride and Sodium 
Albuminate ; the latter is soluble in w r ater, and is decomposed by Carbon 
Dioxide, which precipitates Aluminum Hydroxide, retaining a little Sodium 
Carbonate, while the pure Sodium Carbonate remains in solution. 

Characters. — Colorless, monoclinic crystals, odorless, and having a 
strong alkaline taste. In dry air the salt effloresces, and if left exposed soon 



I40 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

loses about one-half of its water of crystallization and becomes a white powder. 
Solubility. — In 1.6 parts of water ; insoluble in Alcohol and in Ether.] 

Impurities. — Sulphates, chlorides [and metals. 

Sodium Carbonate is used to prepare Liquor Sodae Chloratae, Massa Ferri 
Carbonatis, and Suppositoria Glycerini. 

Dose, 5 to 15 gr. ; .30 to 1.00 gm. 

Preparation. 

Sodii Carbonas Exsiccatus. — Dried Sodium Carbonate. 

Source. — 200 parts of Sodium Carbonate are broken into small 
fragments, allowed to effloresce, then gently heated until it becomes a 
white powder, weighing 100 parts. 

Characters. — A loose, white powder, conforming to the tests 
and reactions given under Sodii Carbonas.] 

Dose, 5 to 15 gr. ; [.30 to 1.00 gm.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Sodium Carbonate and the 
Dried Carbonate. 

The same as those of [soda,] except that the carbonate is less 
caustic. [A one per cent, solution of sodium carbonate is used 
for boiling surgical instruments in the process of sterilization in 
order to prevent their rusting.] 

3. SODII BICARBONAS.— [Sodium Bicarbonate. NaHC0 3 == S3. 

85. Synonyms. — Baking Soda. Sodium Sesquicarbonate. Soda. 

Source. — Made from the Carbonate in the same way as the Potassium 
Bicarbonate is made. Na 2 C0 3 -f- C0 2 + H 2 = 2NaHC0 3 . Or by treating 
Sodium Chloride at the same time with Ammonia gas and Carbon Dioxide. 
NaCl + NH 3 -f C0 2 + H 2 = NaHCC- 3 + NH 4 C1. 

Characters. — A white opaque powder, odorless, and having a cooling 
mildly alkaline taste. 

Solubility. — In 1 1. 3 parts of water; insoluble in Alcohol and Ether. 

Impurities. — The carbonate. 

Incompatibles. — It is decomposed by acids and acid salts, e.g., Bismuth 
Subnitrate. 

Sodium Bicarbonate is tised to prepare Mistura Rhei et Sodae, Ferri Car- 
bonas Saccharatus, and Pulvis Effervescens Compositus. 

Dose, 5 to 60 gr. ; .30 to 4.00 gm. 

Preparation. 

Trochisci Sodii Bicarbonatis. — Troches of Sodium Bicarbonate. 
Sodium Bicarbonate, 20 ; Sugar, 60 ; Nutmeg, I gm. ; Mucilage of 
Tragacanth, a sufficient quantity to make 100 troches. Triturate the 



THE ALKALINE METALS SODA. I4I 

Nutmeg with the Sugar, gradually added, until they are reduced to a 
fine powder, and mix this intimately with the Sodium Bicarbonate ; 
then with the Mucilage of Tragacanth, form a mass. Each troche 
contains 3 gr. ; .20 gm., of Sodium Bicarbonate.] 
Dose, 1 to 6 troches. 

Action of Sodium Bicarbonate. 

The same as that of potassium bicarbonate, except that it is 
much more slowly absorbed from the gastro-intestinal tract, 
and like all sodium salts it is only feebly depressant. Sodium 
salts are much less depressant to the cardiac, muscular, and ner- 
vous systems, and therefore are far less poisonous than potassium 
salts. 

Therapeutics of Sodium Bicarbonate. 

External. — A lotion of 7 gr. [.50 gm.] to 1 fl. oz. [30. c.c] 
of water is employed as a sedative to relieve itching. [Either in 
saturated solution or as a fine powder sodium bicarbonate locally 
applied is the best remedy to relieve the pain from burns. Of 
late it has been strongly recommended to be used for packing 
to prevent pain after operations upon the vagina.] 

Internal. — Stomach. — Its use in disease is very similar to 
that of the corresponding potassium salt, but on account of the 
two differences just mentioned, it is much more frequently given. 
Hence it is a very common ingredient of medicines designed to 
relieve dyspepsia, being taken at or a little before meals to 
increase the flow of gastric juice, or some time afterwards to 
neutralize excessive acidity in the cases in which the patient 
complains of heartburn and acid eructations. Its value is also 
partly due to its sedative action on the gastric nerves, whereby 
it relieves gastric pain, and partly also to its power of liquefying 
tenacious mucus. A very favorite gastric sedative mixture con- 
sists of about 10 gr. [.60 gm.] of sodium bicarbonate, together 
with the same quantity of bismuth [subcarbonate,] suspended in 
mucilage. A grain or two [.06 to .12 gm.] of sodium bicar- 
bonate with a grain [.06 gm.] of powdered rhubarb, and some 
sugar, forms a common stomachic powder for children. Sodium 
bicarbonate and gentian are also often combined together in 



142 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

stomachic mixtures. Effervescing soda water (made in the same 
way as potash water, see p. 122) is a mild gastric sedative. In 
commerce these waters contain neither potash nor soda, but even 
then the carbon [dioxide] gas acts as a sedative. 

Sodium bicarbonate is so slowly absorbed, and is, in comparison 
with potassium salts, so poor a solvent of uric acid, that it is 
rarely used for any effects it may have after absorption. It is 
stated that large doses (150 to 500 grains [10. to 32. gm.]) are 
useful for diabetic coma. 

4. SODII PHOSPH AS.— [Sodium Phosphate. Na 2 HP0 4 -f I2H 2 0= 
357.32. Synonym. — Sodium Orthophosphate. 

Source. — Digest Bone Ash with Sulphuric Acid ; Acid Calcium Phos- 
phate is formed. Ca 3 (P0 4 ) 2 -f 2H 2 S0 4 =CaH 4 (P0 4 ) 2 -f-2CaS0 4 . Filter and 
add Sodium Carbonate to the solution. CaH 4 (P0 4 ) 2 -f-Na 2 C0 3 =Na 2 HP0 4 -f 
H 2 0-j-C0 2 -f-CaHP0 4 . The filtrate requires to be evaporated and the salt is 
obtained by crystallization. 

Characters. — Large, colorless, monoclinic prisms, odorless, and having 
a cooling saline taste. The crystals effloresce on exposure to the air, and 
gradually lose 5 molecules of their water of crystallization. Solubility. — In 
5 parts of water.] 

Impurities. — Lime phosphate [sulphates and carbonates. 

Sodium Phosphate is used to prepare Ferri Phosphas Solubilis. 

Dose, 5 gr. to 1 oz. ; .30 to 30. gm.] 

5. SODII SULPHAS. — Sodium Sulphate. Na 2 S0 4 +[ioH 2 0= 
321.42.] Synonym. — Glauber's Salt. 

Source. — Neutralize with Sodium Carbonate, the residue left in the manu- 
facture of Hydrochloric Acid from Salt. 2NaHS0 4 -f-Na 2 C0 3 =2Na 2 S0 4 + 
C0 2 +H 2 0. 

Characters. — [Large, colorless, transparent monoclinic prisms, odorless, 
and having a bitter, saline taste, efflorescing on exposure to air, and losing all 
of their water of crystallization.] Solubility. — In 3 parts of water. 

Impurities. — Ammonium and Iron salts. 

Dose, 1 to 8 dr. [4. to 30. gm. 

6. POTASSII ET SODII TARTRAS.— Potassium and Sodium Tar- 
trate. [KNaC 4 H 4 6 +4H 2 0=258.5i. Synonyms.— Rochelle Salt. Tartrated 
Soda. 

Source. — Add Acid Potassium Tartrate to a hot solution of Sodium Car- 
bonate. 2KHC 4 H 4 6 +Na 2 CO s =2KNaC 4 H 4 6 +H 2 0+C0 2 . 

Characters. — Colorless, transparent, rhombic prisms, or a white pow- 
der, odorless, and having a cooling saline taste. The crystals are slightly 
efflorescent. Solubility. — In 2 parts of cold water. 



THE ALKALINE METALS SODA. 1 43 

Impurity. — Acid Potassium Tartrate. 

Dose, }l to i oz. ; 8. to 30. gm. (purgative) 30 to 60 gr. ; 2. to 4. gm. 

^diuretic). 

Preparation. 

Pulvis Effervescens Compositus. — Compound Effervescing 
Powder. Synonym. — Seidlitz Powder. Take Potassium and Sodium 
Tartrate, 93 gm., and Sodium Bicarbonate, 31 gm. ; mix, divide into 
twelve equal parts, and wrap each part in a separate paper of some pro- 
nounced color, as blue. Tartaric Acid, 27 gm. , divided into twelve 
equal parts, and wrap each part in a separate paper of a color distinctly 
different from that used for wrapping the mixture, as white. Each pow- 
der in blue paper contains about 120 gr. , 7-75 gm. , of Potassium and 
Sodium Tartrate with 40 gr., 2.58 gm., of Sodium Bicarbonate. The 
white paper contains 35 gr., 2.25 gm., of Tartaric Acid. 

Dose. — Dissolve the powder in the blue paper in nearly half a 
pint [240. c.c. ] of cold or warm water, and then add that in the white 
paper, and drink while effervescing. 

Action of Sodium Sulphate and Phosphate, and of 
Potassium and Sodium Tartrate. 

Internal. — Intestines. — Owing to the slowness with which, 
compared to the corresponding potassium salts, these sodium 
salts are absorbed, they pass on into the intestines and there act 
more efficiently than potassium salts. They are typical saline 
purgatives, abstracting fluid from the blood until they form a 
5 per cent, solution, and then exerting a painless laxative effect, 
produce a soft motion about two or three hours after administra- 
tion (see p. 93). The sulphate, which is the most active purga- 
tive, and the phosphate are mild cholagogues, and Carlsbad 
waters (see p. 144) have been shown to increase, in the human 
subject, the amount of bile and the solids in it. 

Blood dnd Kidneys. — Owing to their tardy absorption the 
action of these salines, as alkalizers of the blood and urine and 
as diuretics, is more feeble than that of the corresponding potas- 
sium salts. 

Therapeutics of Sodium Sulphate and Phosphate, and of 
Potassium and Sodium Tartrate. 

Internal. — Intestines. — These salts of sodium are some of 
the best purgatives we possess, being especially useful for habitual 



144 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

constipation, and for constipation associated with gout, with 
hepatic dyspepsia, or with any of the manifestations of an excess 
of uric acid in the blood or the urine. The best way to take 
them is to dissolve the required amount in half a tumbler of 
[hot] water, and to drink it in successive small draughts while 
dressing in the morning. The bowels are then usually com- 
fortably opened soon after breakfast. These salts, especially the 
phosphate and sulphate, are also cholagogues ; these two are 
therefore to be preferred in cases of disease of the liver. The 
sulphate is the most powerful purgative of all. It is the chief 
constituent of Carlsbad, Marienbad, Tarasp, [Villacabras and 
Rubinat] Condal waters, and it occurs associated with much 
magnesium sulphate in ^Esculap, Hunyadi Janos, Seidlitz, Pullna, 
Friedrichshall, Apenta, and Kissingen waters. A powder con- 
sisting of 30 gr. [2. gm.] of each of sodium sulphate and mag- 
nesium sulphate and a grain [.06 gm.] of sodium chloride and 
sodium bicarbonate (dose 1 to 4 dr.); [4. — 15. gm.] forms 
when dissolved a good imitation of ^Esculap, Hunyadi Janos, 
and Franz Joseph waters. The phosphate is a milder and less 
unpleasant purgative than the others ; it is often given to chil- 
dren. The effervescing preparation [Seidlitz Powder (see p. 
143)] is a palatable form. If large doses are used, the evacua- 
tions are very watery, and therefore these drugs are useful to 
remove fluid in cases of dropsy or ascites (especially if due to 
disease of the liver). Sufferers from gall-stones are undoubtedly 
benefited by a course of water containing sodium sulphate, and 
therefore frequently go to Carlsbad. 

7. SODII CHLORIDUM.— Sodium Chloride. NaCl [= 58.37.] 
Synonym. — Common Salt. 

Source. — Occurs native. 

Characters. — [Colorless, transparent, cubical crystals, or a white, crys- 
talline powder, odorless, and having a purely saline taste. Solubility. — In 
2.8 parts of water; almost insoluble in Alcohol. 

Impurity. — Potassium Chloride.] 

Dose, 5 to 60 gr. ; [.30 to 4.00 gm.] 

Action of Sodium Chloride. 
Common salt forms an article of diet with all creatures living 
on vegetable food, especially if it contains large amounts of po- 



- 

THE ALKALINE METALS SODA. 1 45 

tassium, but is not used either by carnivorous animals or by 
tribes living solely on flesh. The importance of it is seen in the 
long distances herbivorous animals will wander to salt licks, and 
by the fact that tribes living on vegetables will go to war for the 
possession of it. Bunge's explanation of this desire for salt is as 
follows : Blood plasma contains much sodium chloride, vegetable 
foods contain a large amount of potassium salts ; when, there- 
fore, these salts of potassium reach the blood, potassium chloride 
and the sodium salt of the acid which was combined with the 
potassium are formed. This and the potassium chloride are ex- 
creted by the kidneys, and the blood loses its sodium chloride, 
which loss is therefore made up by taking sodium chloride with 
the food. The deprivation of salt leads to general weakness, 
oedema and anaemia, a series of symptoms often seen in France 
before the repeal of the salt tax. Quantities of a tablespoonful 
[15. gm.] and upwards act as an emetic, and may also purge. 
Rectal injections of solutions of salt [by removing mucus may 
make the rectum unfit for the habitation of] the Oxyims ver- 
micularis. 

Therapeutics of Sodium Chloride. 

It is occasionally used as an emetic, also as an anthelmintic. 
Bathing in sea water acts as a mild general stimulant, and very 
concentrated hot salt baths, such as those of Droitwich and 
Nantwich, are useful for chronic rheumatism and sciatica. 
Sixty grains [4. gm.] of common salt'in a pint [500 c.c] of 
boiled water allowed to cool to ioo° F. [37. 7 C] form a 
normal saline solution, which is frequently injected into any 
convenient vein— or sometimes into loose connective tissue — in 
cases of collapse from haemorrhage, often with strikingly good 
results. Such injections have also been used for diabetic coma, 
and may render the patient sensible again for a little while, but 
they do not avert the end. 

8. SODII SULPHIS.— [Sodium Sulphite. Na 2 S0 3 + 7H 2 = 251.58. 
Source. — Saturate a solution of Sodium Carbonate or Caustic Soda with 
Sulphur Dioxide gas. Na 2 C0 3 + S0 2 = Na. 2 S0 3 + C0 2 . 

Characters. — Colorless, transparent, monoclinic prisms; odorless, and 

10 



I46 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

having a cooling, saline, sulphurous taste ; efflorescent in air. Solubility. — 
In 4 parts of water. 

Impurities. — Sulphates and chlorides.] 

Dose, 5 to 60 gr. ; [.30 to 4.00 gm. 

9. SODII BISULPHIS.— Sodium Bisulphite. NaHSO s = 103.86. 

Source. — From Sodium Carbonate or Bicarbonate and Sulphur Dioxide 
gas. NaHC0 3 + S0 2 = NaHS0 3 -f C0 2 . Solubility. —In 4 parts of water ; 
and in 72 parts of Alcohol. 

Characters. — Opaque, prismatic crystals, or a granular powder, exhaling 
an odor of Sulphur Dioxide, and having a disagreeable, sulphurous taste. 

Dose, 5 to 30 gr. ; .30 to 2.00 gm. 

10. SODII HYPOSULPHIS.— Sodium Hyposulphite. Na 2 S 2 3 + 
5H 2 = 247.64. Synonym. — Sodium Thiosulphate. 

Source. — From Sodium Bisulphate in solution with Metallic Zinc. 3Na 
HSO3 + Zn = NaHS0 3 + Na 2 S 2 3 + Zn0 2 + H 2 0. Or pass Sulphurous An- 
hydride into a solution of Soda (or Sodium Carbonate) with Sulphur. S0 2 -j- 
2Na(0H ) + S = Na 2 S 2 3 + H 2 0. 

Characters. — Colorless, transparent, monoclinic prisms, odorless and 
having a cooling, afterwards bitter taste. Solubility. — In 0.65 part of water ; 
insoluble in Alcohol. 

Dose, 5 to 20 gr. ; .30 to 1.20 gm.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Sodium Sulphite, Bisulphite 
and Hyposulphite. 

Sodium sulphite solutions (1 in 8) may be used externally as 
mild antiparasitics. This body is, in the stomach, decomposed 
by the acids there and gives off sulphurous anhydride. It may, 
therefore, be given to arrest fermentation. If any remains un- 
decomposed, it is absorbed as a sulphite. No other action is 
known. They are very rarely given in medicine, but in suf- 
ficient doses might produce the effects of sodium sulphate. 

11. SODII BROMIDUM, see Bromine. 

12. SODII IODIDUM, see Iodine. 

13. SODII HYPOPHOSPHIS, see Phosphorus. 

14. SODII ARSENAS, ^Arsenic. 

15. SODII SULPHOCARBOLAS, see Acidum Carbolicum. 

16. [SODII NITRAS.— Sodium Nitrate. NaN0 3 = 84.89. 
Source. — Imported from Chili and Peru. 

Characters. — Colorless, transparent, rhombohedral crystals, odorless, 
having a cooling, saline and slightly bitter taste. Deliquescent in moist air. 









THE ALKALINE METALS SODA. 1 47 

Solubility. — In 1.3 parts of water ; soluble in 100 parts of Alcohol. 
Sodium Nitrate is used for preparing Sodium Arsenate. 
Dose, y 2 to 1 oz. ; 15. to 30. gm. 

Action and Therapeutics of Sodium Nitrate. 
Sodium nitrate, in moderate doses, does not directly lessen 
the force or frequency of the pulse, nor lower the animal tem- 
perature, nor decrease the elimination of urea ; in large doses, 
acting as a purgative, it may produce these effects. It is some- 
what diuretic, but its chief medicinal virtue is that of a mild 
purgative. 

17. SODII ACETAS.— Sodium Acetate. NaC 2 H 3 2 + 3H 2 = 135.74. 
Source. — From Sodium Carbonate and Acetic Acid. Na 2 CC) 3 -f- 2HC 2 

H 3 2 = 2NaC 2 H 3 2 -+- H 2 -4- C0 2 . By evaporation to crystallization. 

Characters. — Colorless, transparent, monoclinic prisms, or a granular, 
crystalline powder, odorless, and having a cooling saline taste. Efflorescent 
in warm, dry air. Solubility. — In 1.4 parts of water ; and in 30 parts of Al- 
cohol. 

Impurities. — Silica, metals and calcium. 

Sodium Acetate is used for preparing Acetic Ether and Acetic Acid. 

Dose, 10 to 60 gr. ; .60 to 4.00 gm. 

Action and Uses of Sodium Acetate. 
Sodium acetate is diuretic, but it is rarely used as a medicine.] 

18. SODII BENZOAS, see Acidum Benzoicum. 

19. SODII NITRIS, see Nitrites. 

20. SODII VALERIANAS [not official], see Valeriana. 

21. SODII SALICYLAS, see Acidum Salicylicum. 

22. SODII BORAS, see Acidum Boricum. 

23. [SODII CHLORAS.— Sodium Chlorate. NaC10 3 = 106.25. 

Source. — From Acid Sodium Tartrate and Potassium Chlorate in solu- 
tion ; by filtration, evaporation and crystallization. NaHC 4 Ff 4 6 -j- KC10 3 
= NaC10 3 + KHC 4 H 4 6 . 

Characters. — Colorless, transparent crystals (principally regular cubes 
with tetrahedral facets), or a crystalline powder; odorless, having a cooling, 
saline taste. Solubility. — In 1.1 parts of water ; and in 100 parts of Alcohol. 

Dose, 5 to 15 gr. ; .30 to 1.00 gm. 

Action and Uses of Sodium Chlorate. 
Sodium chlorate has medicinal properties similar to those of 
the potassium chlorate, whilst its greater solubility permits the 



I48 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

use of stronger solutions. It has recently been recommended in 
large doses for malignant diseases of the stomach. 

24. SODII PYROPHOSPHAS. — Sodium Pyrophosphate. Na 4 P 2 
7 -f- ioH 2 = 445.24. 

Source. — From heating Sodium Phosphate. 2Na 2 HP0 4 -f i2H 2 = Na 4 
P 2 7 +i 3 H 2 0. 

Characters. — Colorless, transparent, monoclinic prisms, or a crystalline 
powder, odorless, having a cooling, saline and feebly alkaline taste. Solubil- 
ity. — In 12 parts of water • insoluble in Alcohol. 

Sodium Pyrophosphate is used to prepare Ferri Pyrophosphas Solubilis. 

Dose, y z to 4 dr. ; 2. to 15. gm. 

Action and Therapeutics of Sodium Pyrophosphate. 

Sodium pyrophosphate has the same therapeutical action as 
sodium phosphate, but its principal use is in pharmacy.] 

25. SODII ETHYLAS.- [Sodium Ethylate.— NaC 2 H 5 = 67.90. 
(Not official.) 

Source. — By solution of Metallic Sodium in Ethylic Alcohol and crys- 
tallization. 2Na + 2C 2 H 5 OH = 2NaC 2 H 5 + H 2 . 

Characters. — A deliquescent, caustic salt in white or whitish crystals.] 

Preparation. [B. P. not official.] 
Liquor Sodii Ethylatis, [Solution of Sodium Ethylate.] — Sodium, 
I ; Ethylic Alcohol, 20. Characters. — A clear, syrupy liquid, changing 
to brown in keeping. [This preparation has a sp. gr. of 0.567.] It 
should be freshly made when wanted. 

Action and Uses of Sodium Ethylate. 

This is used locally as a mild caustic to remove naevi and 

other growths. It is applied with a pointed glass rod for two 

or three days ; then a scab forms ; when this has fallen off, the 

treatment may be repeated. Sodium ethylate is, perhaps, our 

best caustic. 

HI. AMMONIUM. 

NH 3 = 17.01. 

1. AQUA AMMONIA FORTIOR. — [Stronger Ammonia Water. 
28 per cent, by weight of the gas (NH 3 = 17.01 ) dissolved in water. 

Source. — Generate Ammonia gas by heating Ammonium Chloride with 
Slaked Lime, and pass it into water. 2NH 4 C1 -f Ca(OH) 2 = NH 3 -f 2H 2 
+ CaCl 2 . 



THE ALKALINE METALS AMMONIA. 1 49 

Characters. — A colorless, transparent liquid, having an excessively 
pungent odor, and very acrid and alkaline taste and a strongly alkaline reac- 
tion. Sp. gr. 0.901.] 

Impurities. — Ammonium chloride, sulphide and sulphate. 

Dose, 3 to 6 m. ; [.20 to .40 c.c], well diluted. 

Preparation. 
[Spiritus Ammoniae. — Spirit of Ammonia. Contains 10 per cent., 
by weight, of the gas dissolved in Alcohol. 
Dose, 10 to 60 m. ; .60 to 4.00 c.c] 

2. AQUA AMMONITE. — [Ammonia Water. ( 10 per cent, by weight 
of the gas (NH 3 = 17.01) dissolved in water). 

Source. — The same as for Aqua Ammoniae Fortior. 

Characters. — Like, but less pungent than, the stronger solution. Sp. 
gr. 0.960. 

Dose, 10 to 20 m. ; .60 to 1.20 c.c, well diluted. 

Preparations. 

1. Linimentum Ammoniae.— Ammonia Liniment. Synonym. 
— Volatile Liniment. Ammonia Water, 350 ; Alcohol, 50 ; Cotton 
Seed Oil, 600.] 

2. Spiritus Ammoniae Aromaticus, see Ammonium Carbonate. 

Action of Solutions of Ammonia. 

External. — A solution of ammonia produces rubefaction 
with a sensation of heat, and, if strong, a sensation of pain and 
burning. If the vapor is confined, it causes vesication. 

Internal. — Nose. — When inhaled, the vapor of ammonia is 
irritating to the nose and air passages, causing a pungent sensa- 
tion and sneezing. The eyes and nose water. The pulse and 
respiration are reflexly accelerated. If very concentrated, 
it produces swelling and inflammation of the nose, glottis and 
respiratory tract. 

Stomach. — Like other alkalies, given before meals, ammonia 
increases the flow of gastric juice ; given after meals, it neutral- 
izes it. It dilates the gastric vessels, and produces a feeling of 
warmth in the epigastrium. It reflexly stimulates the heart and 
respiration. 

Blood. — Its action on the blood is not known ; but it is sup- 
posed to diminish its local liability to clot in cases of thrombo- 
sis, and to dissolve [a clot which has] already formed. 



I50 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Heart. — Ammonia causes a rise of blood -pressure with an in- 
creased pulse rate, due probably to stimulation of the accelerator 
mechanism. 

Respiration. — It increases greatly the frequency of respira- 
tion, probably from stimulation of the respiratory centre in the 
medulla. 

Nervous system. — The brain is unaffected, and the nerves also, 
except for the tingling produced when a strong solution of 
ammonia is locally applied. Convulsions are often produced in 
animals poisoned by ammonia ; these are certainly central, and 
are probably due to stimulation of the spinal cord. 

Kidneys. — Ammonia and its salts are oxidized in the body, 
and the nitric acid, uric acid, and urea in the urine are increased. 

Therapeutics of Solutions of Ammonia. 

External. — The liniment is used as a counter-irritant in nu- 
merous conditions, such as chronic joint disease, chronic rheuma- 
tism, etc., and is often rubbed on the chest in bronchitis. Am- 
monia is a very uncertain vesicant. Weak solutions of it are 
often applied to the bites of insects. [Aqua] ammonias is very 
valuable when held to the nose of any one who has fainted, for it 
almost instantly reflexly produces its stimulating effect on the 
heart and respiration. 

Internal. — Ammonia in some form may be given before 
meals as a gastric stimulant in dyspepsia. Sal volatile (see below) 
is often used for this purpose, and also for its general stimulating 
effect on the cardiac, respiratory and spinal systems, especially 
in sudden collapse from any cause. [For collapse it may be used 
intravenously.] Ammonia has been injected subcutaneously in 
cases of snake-bite, [but it almost invariably produces a slough.] 

3. AMMONII CARBON'AS.— [Ammonium Carbonate, NH 4 HC0 3 — 
NH 4 NH 2 C0 2 = 156.77. Synonyms. — Bakers' Ammonia. Hartshorn. Sal 
Volatile. 

Source. — A mixture of Ammonium Sulphate or Chloride and Calcium 
Carbonate is subjected to sublimation and resublimation. 4NH 4 Cl-j- 2CaC0 3 
= 2CaCl 2 + NH 4 HC0 3 — NH 4 NH 2 C0 2 + NH 3 + 2H 2 0. 

Characters. — White, hard, translucent, striated masses, having a strongly 



THE ALKALINE METALS AMMONIA. I 5 I 

ammoniacal odor without empyreuma, and a sharp saline taste. On exposure 
to the air it loses both Ammonia and Carbon Dioxide, becoming opaque, and 
is finally converted into friable, porous lumps, or a white powder. Solubility. 
— Slowly but completely in 5 parts of water. ] 

Impurities. — Sulphates and chlorides. 

Dose, 2 to 15 gr. ; [.12 to 1.00 gm.] (Stimulant or expectorant.) 

Preparation. 

Spiritus Ammoniae Aromaticus. — [Aromatic Spirit of Ammo- 
nia. Ammonium Carbonate, 34 ; Ammonia Water, 90 ; Oil of Nut- 
meg, 1 ; Oil of Lemon, 10 ; Alcohol, 700 ; Oil of Lavender Flowers, 
1 ; water to make 1000. Sp. gr. about 0.905.] 

Aromatic Spirit of Ammonia is used in making Tinctura Guaiaci Am- 
moniata and Tinctura Valerianae Ammoniata. 

Dose, y z to 2 fl. dr. [2. to 8. c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Ammonium Carbonate. 

The external and internal actions of the carbonate are the 
same as those of [Aqua] Ammoniae. It is not used externally, 
but Spiritus ilmmoniae Aromaticus is inhaled for its reflex effects, 
is* taken as a gastric stimulant and carminative in dyspepsia, 
and as a cardiac and general stimulant in syncope, etc. 
The carbonate is, in addition, an excellent expectorant, stimu- 
lating the respiratory movements, and by its general stimulating 
effect aiding the expulsion of thick mucus. It is most used for 
bronchitis in children and the aged. It is an emetic acting 
directly on the stomach. 

Toxicology. 

Symptoms. — Liquor Ammoniae and the Carbonate produce symptoms like 
other alkalies, but are more corrosive. The air-passages are often inflamed, 
and the inhalation of the vapor has been known to kill from this cause. 

Treat?nent as for other alkalies. [See p. 139.) 

4. AMNONII CHLORIDUM.— [Ammonium Chloride. NH^Cl = 
53.38.] Synonyms. — Sal Ammoniac, [Ammonium Muriate. 

Source. — Neutralize Gas Liquor with Sulphuric Acid, converting all to 
Ammonium Sulphate. 2NH 4 HO + H 2 S0 4 = (NH 4 ) 2 SC\ + 2H 2 0. After 
crystallization, sublime with Sodium Chloride. (NH 4 ) 2 SO i + 2NaCl = 
2NH 4 C1 + NajSCV 

Characters. — A white, crystalline powder, without odor, having a cool- 



152 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

ing, saline taste, and permanent in the air, but volatile when heated. Solu- 
bility. — In 3 parts of water ; almost insoluble in Alcohol. 

Impurities. — Chiefly tarry matters. 

Dose, 1 to 30 gr. ; .06 to 2.00 gm. 

Preparation. 

Trochisci Ammonii Chloridi. — Troches of Ammonium Chloride. 
Ammonium Chloride, 10; Extract of Glycyrrhiza, 25 ; Tragacanth, 12 ; 
Sugar, 50 gm. ; Syrup of Tolu, a sufficient quantity to make 100 troches. 
Each troche contains two grains ; .12 gm. 

Dose, 1 to 6 troches.] 

Action of Ammonium Chloride. 

Locally applied, ammonium chloride increases the secretion 
of mucous membranes,, and to a slight extent it does the same 
after absorption. It is a feeble cholagogue, diaphoretic, diuretic, 
[and a general stimulant, but of less power than the carbonate.] 

Therapeutics of Ammonium Chloride. 

It is a very favorite remedy for local application, by means 
of inhalation of the vapor, to increase the secretion of mucus 
from the pharynx, Eustachian tubes, larynx, trachea and bronchi 
in cases of chronic pharyngitis, otitis media, laryngitis, and 
bronchitis. Many forms of apparatus for its inhalation are in 
the market. In most of them it is generated by the action of hy- 
drochloric acid on ammonia. It is occasionally given by the 
mouth, either as a cholagogue, gastric stimulant, diaphoretic, or 
diuretic, but it is too feeble to be recommended, and it is very 
[unpleasant] ; the taste may to some extent be concealed by 
liquorice. It is useful in chronic bronchitis with much expec- 
toration and is then best given as a [troche or compressed tablet 
with chocolate] . Some authorities consider it to be, [in large 
doses,] a specific for neuralgia. 

5. LIQUOR AMMONII ACETATIS.— [Solution of Ammonium 
Acetate. Synonym. — Spirit of Mindererus. An aqueous solution of Ammo- 
nium Acetate (NH 4 C 2 H 3 2 = 76.87), containing about 7 per cent, of the salt, 
together with small amounts of Acetic and Carbonic Acids. 

Source. — Ammonium Carbonate is gradually added to diluted Acetic 
Acid until it is neutralized. ] 



THE ALKALINE METALS LITHIUM. I 53 

Incompatibles. — Potash, soda, and their carbonates, acids, lime-water, 
lead and silver salts. 

\_Sohition of Ammonium Acetate is used in preparing Liquor Ferri et Am- 
monii Acetatis.] 

Dose, 2 to 8 fl. dr. ; [8. to 30. c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Ammonium Acetate. 

It is a mild diaphoretic and diuretic, and is used only for 
these effects. It probably acts in both cases, either on the secre- 
tory cells or the nerves connected with them. It does not irri- 
tate the kidneys, but increases both the water and the solids 
excreted. It is employed in Bright' s disease as a diuretic, and 
in febrile conditions as a diaphoretic. 

6. AMMONII BENZOAS, see Acidum Benzoicum. 

7. AMMONII BROMIDUM, see Bromine. 
[8. AMMONII IODIDUM,^ Iodine. 

9. AMMONII NITRAS.— Ammonium Nitrate. NH 4 N0 3 = 97-9. 

SOURCE. — By treating commercial Ammonium Carbonate with Nitric 
Acid, filtration and evaporation. NH 4 HCO s — NH 4 NH 2 C0 2 + 3HN0 3 = 
3 NH 4 N0 3 + 2C0 2 + H 2 0. 

Characters. — Colorless crystals, generally in the form of long, thin 
rhombic prisms, or in fused masses, without odor, having a sharp, bitter taste, 
and somewhat deliquescent. Solubility. — In 0.5 part of water ; and in 20 
parts of Alcohol. 

Ammonium Nitrate is used to prepare Nitrous Oxide gas, freezing mix- 
tures and artificial cold applications.] 

10. AMMONII VALERIANAS, see Valeriana. 

IV. LITHIUM. 
Li = 7.01'. 

1. LITHII CARBONAS.— [Lithium Carbonate. Li 2 C0 3 = 73.87. 
Source. — By action of Lithium Chloride upon Ammonium Carbonate, 

filtration, washing with Alcohol, and drying. 2LiCl-j- NH 3 HC0 3 = Li 2 C0 3 
+ NH 4 C1 + HC1. 

Characters. — A light, white powder, odorless, and having an alkaline 
taste ; permanent in the air. Solubility. — In 80 parts of water ; insoluble in 
Alcohol. ] 

Impurities. — Lime and aluminum. 

Dose, 2 to 10 gr. ; [.12 to .60 gm.] 

2. LITHII CITRAS.— [Lithium Citrate. 



154 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Source. — By action of Lithium Carbonate upon Citric Acid, evaporation 

and crystallization. 3Li 2 C0 3 + 2H 3 C 6 H 5 7 = 2LLC 6 H 5 7 3H 2 +3C0 2 . 

Characters. — A white powder, odorless and having a cooling, faintly 

alkaline taste; deliquescent on exposure to air. Solubility. — In 2 parts of 

water ; almost insoluble in Alcohol or Ether. 

Dose, 5 to 20 gr. ; .30 to 1.20 gm. 

Preparation. 

Lithii Citras Effervescens. — Effervescent Lithium Citrate. 

Source. — Lithium Carbonate, 70 ; Sodium Bicarbonate, 280; Citric Acid, 
370 ; Sugar, a sufficient quantity, to 1000. Triturate the Citric Acid with 
Sugar, and dry the mixture thoroughly. Then incorporate with it, by tritura- 
tion, Lithium Carbonate and Sodium Bicarbonate, and enough Sugar to make 
the product weigh 1 000 parts. 

Characters. — A white powder having a cooling, saline and sweetish 
taste. Solubility. — Completely in water with effervescence. 

Dose, 10 to 45 gr. ; .60 to 3.00 gm.] 

Action of Lithium Carbonate and Citrate. 

These lithium salts closely resemble in their actions the cor- 
responding potassium salts, in large doses leading to muscular 
and cardiac depression with gas tro -intestinal irritation ; but, as 
lithium has a strong affinity for uric acid, and lithium biurate is 
very soluble, they are more powerful solvents of uric acid. 
They are also efficacious as diuretics and render the urine 
very alkaline. 

Therapeutics of Lithium Carbonate and Citrate. 

Lithium salts are much used internally in acute and chronic 
gout, to promote the elimination of sodium biurate. They are 
also given as solvents to patients suffering from uric acid gravel 
and calculus. Those suffering from gravel are said often to derive 
great benefit. A lotion of the carbonate (1 to 120 of water) 
applied on lint and covered with gutta-percha relieves the pain 
of gouty inflammation, promotes the healing of gouty ulcers, 
and aids the disappearance of tophi [although it does seem to 
prevent their formation] . Lithium salts should always be freely 
diluted. The citrate has the advantage of greater solubility. 
Although there is no doubt that the salt of lithium and uric acid 
is very soluble in water, much doubt has recently been cast upon 



METALS OF THE ALKALINE EARTHS CALCIUM. I 5 5 

the efficacy of lithium salts administered for gout, because the 
addition of a lithium salt to blood serum does not enhance its 
solvent power on sodium bi urate. 

3. [LITHII BENZOAS, see Acidum Benzoicum. 

4. LITHII BROMIDUM, see Bromine. 

5. LITHII SALICYLAS, see Acidum Salicylicum. ] 



GROUP III. 

METALS OF THE ALKALINE EARTHS. 
Calcium, Strontium, Barium, Magnesium, Cerium. 

I. CALCIUM. 

Ca=39-9i. 

1. CRETA PRiEPAR ATA.— [Prepared Chalk. CaC0 3 =99.76. 
Synonym. — Drop Chalk. 

Source. — From Chalk by levigation, elutriation and drying. 

Characters. — A white, amorphous powder, often moulded into conical 
drops, odorless and tasteless ; permanent in the air. Solubility. — Almost in- 
soluble in water ; insoluble in Alcohol.] 

Incompatible^. — Acids and sulphates. 

Dose, 10 to 60 gr. [.60 to 4.00 gm.] 

Preparations. 

1. Pulvis Cretae Compositus. — [Compound Chalk Powder. 
Prepared Chalk, 30 ; powdered Acacia, 20 ; powdered Sugar, 50. 

Dose, 5 to 60 gr. ; .30 to 4.00 gm. 

2. Mistura Cretae. — Chalk Mixture. Compound Chalk Powder, 
200 ; Cinnamon Water, 400 ; Water to make 1 000. 

Dose, 2 to 4 fl. dr. ; 8. to 15. c.c. 

3. Hydrargyrum cum Creta, see Hydrargyrum. 

4. Trochisci Cretae. — Troches of Chalk. Prepared Chalk, 25 ; 
Acacia, 7 gm. ; Spirit of Nutmeg, 3 c. c. ; Sugar, 40 gm. ; Water to 
make 100 troches. Each troche contains 4 gr. ; .25 gm. 

Dose, ad libitum.^ 

2. CALCII CARBONAS PRiECIPITATUS.— [Precipitated Cal- 
cium Carbonate. CaCO.^99.76. 

Source. — From Calcium Chloride and Sodium Carbonate, and drying the 
precipitate. CaCl 2 -|-Na 2 C0 3 =2NaCl-f CaC0 3 . 



1 56 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Characters. — A fine, white power, odorless and tasteless, permanent in 
the air. Solubility. — Nearly insoluble in water. 

Precipitated Calcium Carbonate is used to prepare Pulvis Morphinae Com- 
positus and Syrupus Calcii Lactophosphatis. ] 

Dose, 5 to 60 gr. ; [.30 to 4.00 gm.] 

Action of Creta Pr^eparata and Calcium Carbonate. 

External. — It is mildly astringent and helps to dry moist 
surfaces. 

Internal. — Stomach and Intestines. — Calcium carbonate is 
antacid. It is a mild but certain astringent. How it acts as 
an instringent is unknown. It is excreted unchanged in the faeces. 

Kidneys. Because certain mineral waters containing calcium 
bicarbonates and sulphates amongst other salts, have been used 
successfully in cases of urinary gravel and calculi, it has been 
asserted that these salts are diuretic, and solvent for uric acid, but 
it is more likely that the beneficial effects of these waters are due 
merely to the large amount of water drunk ; [at least] , there is no 
proof that it is due to the salts. Such waters are those of Con- 
trexeville, Vittel, [Clarendon, and Waukesha] . 

Therapeutics of Creta Pr^eparata and Calcium Carbonate. 

External. — Prepared chalk forms an excellent dusting pow- 
der for moist eczema. 

Internal. — Alimentary canal. — Because of its mechanical 
action it is a good tooth powder. The following is a good for- 
mula : Potassium chlorate, 4 ; powdered soap, 8 ; carbolic acid, 

2 ; oil of cinnamon, 1 ; precipitated calcium carbonate to 48 
parts. Chalk mixture and [compound] chalk powder, particu- 
larly the former, are very valuable for checking mild diarrhoea, 
especially in children. 

Kidneys. — There is no doubt that persons passing gravel or 
urinary calculi, especially if composed of uric acid, are benefited 
by drinking the waters of Contrexeville and Vittel. They should 
be taken in quantities of 3 to 6 pints [1500. to 3000. c.c] a day 
and between meals, to avoid the large amount of fluid causing 
indigestion. At Contrexeville the great bulk is drunk before 
breakfast. 



METALS OF THE ALKALINE EARTHS CALCIUM. I 57 

3. CALX.— [Lime. CaO=55.87. Synonym. — Burned Lime. 

Source. — Made by burning white marble, oyster shells, or the purest 
varieties of natural Calcium Carbonate, to expel Carbon Dioxide. 

Characters. — Hard white or grayish- white masses, which in contact 
with air gradually attract moisture and Carbon Dioxide, and fall into a white 
powder (slaked lime) ; odorless ; of a sharp, caustic taste. Solubility. — In 
750 parts of water ; insoluble in Alcohol. 

Preparations. 

1. Liquor Calcis. — Solution of Lime. Synonyms. — Lime Water. Solu- 
tion of Calcium Hydrate. 

Source. — Made from slaked lime by solution. A saturated, aqueous 
solution of Calcium Hydrate. The percentage of Calcium Hydrate varies with 
the temperature, being somewhat over 0.17 per cent, at 59 F. ; 15 C, and 
diminishing as the temperature rises. 

Dose, 1 to 8 fl. dr. ; 4. to 30. c.c. 

2. Linimentum Calcis. — Lime Liniment. Synonym. — Carron Oil. 
Solution of Lime, Linseed Oil, of each, one volume. Mix them by agitation. 

3. Syrupus Calcis. — Syrup of Lime. Lime, 60; Sugar, 400; Water, to 
1000. 

Dose, 15 to 60 m. ; 1. to 4. c.c. 

4. Potassa cum Calce. — See Potassium, p. 122.] 

Action of Lime. 

External. — Slaked lime is caustic. Lime water is astringent. 

Internal. — Alimentary tract. — Lime is antacid. It prevents 
milk from forming solid, bulky curds in the stomach. It allays 
vomiting, and is an antidote for poisoning by mineral acids, 
oxalic acid, and zinc chloride. It acts as a mild intestinal astrin- 
gent. 

Therapeutics of Lime. 

External. — Slaked lime, employed as a caustic, is usually 
mixed with caustic potash, when it forms Vienna paste (see p. 
123), [or with caustic soda known as London paste and is] used 
to destroy warts and other small growths. Lime water applied to 
weeping eczema is especially serviceable if mixed with glycerin. 
Linimentum Calcis is very valuable for burns. 

Internal. — Lime water is much used to mix with milk to 
prevent its forming thick curds in the stomach, especially when, 



I5§ INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

as is often the case with children, the curds cause vomiting. It 
is difficult to understand how it acts, for, although lime water 
contains so little lime, it is often efficacious. In severe cases of 
infantile vomiting equal parts of milk and lime water may be 
ordered. Lime water will check slight diarrhoea. It is a useful 
injection for thread-worms, for leucorrhoea, and for gleet. 

4. CALCII PHOSPHAS PRiECIPITATUS.— [Precipitated Cal- 
cium Phosphate. Ca 2 (P0 4 ) 2 =309. 33. Synonym. — Precipitated Lime Phos- 
phate. 

Source. — Made from Bone Ash (impure Calcium Phosphate) digested 
with diluted Hydrochloric acid, made alkaline with solution of Ammonia, and 
by precipitation. 

Characters. — A light, white amorphous powder, colorless and tasteless, 
and permanent in the air. Solubility. — Almost insoluble in water. 

Precipitated Calcium Phosphate is contained in Pulvis Antimonialis. 

Dose, 5 to 30 gr. ; .30 to 2.00 gm. 

Preparation. 

Syrupus Calcii Lactophosphatis. — Syrup of Calcium Lactophosphate. 
Precipitated Calcium Carbonate, 25 ; Phosphoric Acid, 36 ; Lactic Acid, 60 ; 
Orange Flower Water, 25 ; Sugar, 700 ; Water, to 1000. 
Dose, 1 to 2 fl. dr. ; 4. to 8. c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Calcium Phosphate. 

Calcium phosphate is a most important constituent of bones, 
and therefore it is necessary that food should contain it. If not, 
the bones become soft. Calcium salts are abundant in milk, 
yolk of egg, vegetables, and the bones that carnivora eat. They 
are absorbed from the intestine, and the excess is excreted into 
the intestine and passed with the faeces. Calcium phosphate 
has been given for rickets, and for the anaemia and feebleness 
often seen in young children, but it is not certain that it does 
any good. [It is important that calcium phosphate should be 
made from bones when used in the treatment of rickets.] It 
may be given to pregnant and [nursing] women in order to pro- 
vide the child with sufficient calcium salts for its bones. 

It is used as a diluent for powders, as it is inert, and it prevents 
their agglutination. For these reasons, and because it is [almost] 
insoluble, it is a useful constituent of pills containing essential 



METALS OF THE ALKALINE EARTHS CALCIUM. 1 59 

oils. The syrup of calcium lactophosphate is with many a fa- 
vorite prescription for tuberculosis and other conditions of anse- 
mia and weakness. 

5. CALX SULPHURATA, see Sulphur. 

6. CALCII CHLORIDUM.— [Calcium Chloride. CaCl 2 =i 10.65. 
Source. — Obtained by neutralizing Hydrochloric Acid with Calcium 

Carbonate and evaporating. CaC0 3 -f-2HCl=CaCl 2 -|-C0 2 -|-H 2 0. This is 
rendered anhydrous by fusion at the lowest possible temperature. 

Characters. — White, slightly translucent, hard fragments, odorless, 
having a sharp saline taste and very deliquescent. Solubility. — In 1.5 parts 
of water and in 8 parts of Alcohol.] 

Dose, 5 to 20 gr. ; [.30 to 1.20 gm.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Calcium Chloride. 
Calcium chloride, outside of the body, increases the rate 
of coagulation of the blood [and produces a firmer clot. It 
has been employed in the treatment of chronic bronchitis and 
pneumonia, and has been recommended by See for gastric catarrh 
and fermentative dyspepsia. Its most important use is for the 
haemorrhages of scurvy and haemophilia. If maximum doses are 
administered for several days previously, it is often possible to 
perform operations upon bleeders. It may be of use in haema- 
temesis and haemoptysis, and, possibly, also for aneurism.] 

7. CALX CHLORATA, ^Chlorine. 

8. CALCII HYPOPHOSPHIS, see Phosphorus. 

9. [CALCII BROMIDUM, see Bromine. 

10. CALCII SULPHAS EXSICCATUS.— Dried Calcium Sulphate. 
Synonyms. — Dried Gypsum. Plaster of Paris. 

Source. — A powder containing about 95 per cent., by weight, of Calcium 
Sulphate (CaS0 4 — 135.73), and about 5 per cent, of water, prepared from the 
purer varieties of native Gypsum (CaS0 4 -)-2H 2 0=i7l.65), by heating until 
about three- fourths of the water has been expelled. 

Characters. — An amorphous white powder, without taste or odor, and 
when mixed with half its weight of water it forms a smooth paste, which rap- 
idly hardens. Solubility. — In about 410 parts of water ; insoluble in Alcohol. 

Dried Calcium Phosphate is used to prepare Calx Sulphurata. 

Uses of Dried Calcium Sulphate. 
Dried Calcium sulphate is used for making casts of deformi- 
ties and injuries, and for making immovable bandages and ap- 
paratus for injuries and diseases when immobilization is necessary. 



60 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 



II. STRONTIUM. 



Sr=8 7 . 3 . 

1. STRONTII LACTAS.— Strontium Lactate. Sr(C 3 H 5 3 ) 2 +3H 2 
=318.76. 

Source. — From the carbonate, by dissolving it in lactic acid somewhat 
diluted with water ; if necessary, heat is applied to effect solution. After fil- 
tration the solution is evaporated with moderate heat, to dryness. SrC0 3 -[- 
2HC 3 H 5 03=Sr(C 3 H 5 3 ) 2 +H 2 0+C0 2 . ^ 

Characters. — A white, granular powder or crystalline nodules, odorless 
and having a slightly bitter taste. Permanent in the air. Solubility. — In 
about 4 parts of water ; soluble in Alcohol. 

Incompatibles. — Solutions of carbonates and sulphates, and potassium 
chromate. 

Impurities. — Barium carbonate, oxalates, metallic and organic impurities. 

Dose, % to 2 dr. ; 1. to 8. gm. 

Action of Strontium Lactate. 

The strontium salts were demonstrated by Laborde to be 
harmless to animals and men. He also ascribed to them a 
diuretic action. If given for some time and in large quantities 
they impair gastric digestion and subsequently the general nutri- 
tion. The lactate reduces the amount of albumin in albumi- 
nuria, and it is claimed to have a sedative effect on the heart in 
diseases of the valves and of the muscular tissue. It also checks 
fermentation and putrefaction in the small intestines. 

Therapeutics of Strontium Lactate. 

The strontium salts in gastric affections improve the appetite 
and facilitate digestion, and are useful in chronic intestinal ca- 
tarrh. The lactate is diuretic and is useful in albuminuria, due 
to renal atony, but not in uraemia, nor in interstitial nephritis, 
nor in the high fever of acute parenchymatous nephritis. In the 
chronic form due to scrofula, rheumatism or gout it is useful. It 
has had a decidedly beneficial action in diabetes of hepatic 
origin, and in cirrhosis of the liver. 

2. STRONTII BROMIDUM, see Bromine. 

3. STRONTII IODIDUM, ^Iodine.] 



METALS OF THE ALKALINE EARTHS BARIUM. l6l 

III. BARIUM. 

Ba[=i 3 6. 9 . 

BARII DIOXIDUM.— Barium Dioxide. Ba0 2 =i68.82. Synonym. — 
Barium Peroxide. 

Source. — By conducting oxygen over Barium Oxide, heated to full red- 
ness. 

Characters. — A heavy, grayish-white, or pale, yellowish-white, amor- 
phous, coarse powder, odorless and tasteless. When exposed to the air it 
slowly attracts moisture and Carbon Dioxide, and is gradually decomposed. 
Solubility. — Almost insoluble in water. 

Impurities. — Sulphates and nitrates. 

Incompatibles. — Hydrochloric, phosphoric and most other mineral acids. 

Barium Dioxide is used in preparing Aqua Hydrogenii Dioxidi. 

Action of Barium Salts. 

Barium chloride (not official) causes the cardiac contractions 
to become slower and more forcible, acting like digitalis. The 
blood-vessels are constricted, and the blood pressure rises. 
The plain muscular fibres of the intestine may be excited, and 
the peristalsis is increased. In these respects it resembles ergot 
as well as digitalis. It acts like veratrine when applied locally 
to voluntary muscles, prolonging the contraction ; but this effect 
is done away with by the application of potassium salts. 

Therapeutics of Barium Salts. 

These are not often given, but the chloride (dose, t l to y£ 
gr., .006 to .03 gm.) has been used for mitral insufficiency 
accompanied by irregularity of the heart, for haemorrhage, 
and as a stimulant in atony of the bladder or intestine. 
Formerly it was given in nervous diseases.] The waters of 
Llangammarch wells contain 6.7 gr. [.40 gm.] to. the [Imper- 
ial] gallon [4545 c.c] of barium chloride, and have been used 
in cardiac cases. [The sulphide (not official) has been used as 
a depilatory. 

Toxicology. 

Symptoms. — Poisonous doses cause salivation, thirst, vomiting, purging, 
difficulty of breathing, a slow pulse, and, from its action on the spinal cord, 
paralysis of the limbs. The heart is arrested in systole. 

11 



1 62 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Treatment. — Poisoning should be treated by non-irritant emetics and 
draughts of weak solution of sodium or magnesium sulphate, followed by 
albuminous drinks, and diffusible stimulants. ] 

IV. MAGNESIUM. 

Mg.=24.3. 

i. MAGNESII SULPHAS.— [Magnesium Sulphate. MgS0 4 +H 2 
=245.84. Synonym. — Epsom Salt. 

Source. — It is obtained from (1) Dolomite (native Calcium and Magne- 
sium Carbonate) ; or (2) Magnesite (native Magnesium Carbonate), by the 
action of Sulphuric Acid. (1) MgCO s +MgS0 4 +2H 2 S0 4 =CaS0 4 -f MgS0 4 
+2H 2 or (2) MgC0 3 +H 2 S0 4 =MgS0 4 +H 2 0-j-C0 2 . Treat with water, 
filter and evaporate the filtrate to crystallization. 

Characters. — Small,] colorless, rhombic prisms or acicular crystals, very 
like Zinc Sulphate, but moister, and of a bitter taste, whilst that of the Zinc 
Salt is metallic. Solubility. — In 1.5 parts of cold water. 

Incompatib.les. — Alkaline carbonates, phosphoric acid, phosphates, lime 
water, lead acetate and silver nitrate. 

Impurities. — Lime and Iron. 

[Magnesiu??i Sulphate is contained in Infusum Sennae Compositum. ] 

Dose, }( to 1 oz. ; 8. to 30. gm. 

2. MAGNESII CARBONAS.— [Magnesium Carbonate. (MgC0 3 ) 4 , 
Mg(OH) 2 + 5 H 2 0= 4 84.62. 

Source. — Mix strong, boiling aqueous solutions of Magnesium Sulphate 
and Sodium Carbonate, and evaporate. 4MgS0 4 -j-4Na 2 C0 3 -j-H 2 0=(Mg 
C0 3 ) 4 , Mg(OH) 2 +4Na 2 S0 4 -fC0 2 . Digest with water, filter and dry. 

Characters. — Light, white friable masses, or a light white powder, 
without odor, and having a slightly earthy taste. Solubility. — Almost insolu- 
ble in water. 

Impurities. — Lime and sulphates. 

Magnesium Carbonate is used to prepare Magnesia. 

Dose, % to 2 dr. ; 1. to 8. gm.] 

Preparations. 

1. Magnesii Citras Effervescens. — [Effervescent Magnesium 
Citrate. Magnesium Carbonate, 10 ; Citric Acid, 46; Sodium Bicar- 
bonate, 34; Sugar, 8 ; Alcohol and distilled water, a sufficient quantity. 

Characters. — A white, coarsely granular salt, without odor, and 
having a mildly acidulous, refreshing taste, deliquescent. Solubility. — 
With copious effervescence, in 2 parts of water ; almost insoluble in 
Alcohol. 

Dose, }( to 1 oz. ; 8. to 30. gm. 



METALS OF THE ALKALINE EARTHS MAGNESIA. 1 63 

2. Liquor Magnesii Citratis. — Solution of Magnesium Citrate. 
Dissolve Magnesium Carbonate, 15 ; in a solution of Citric Acid, 30; 
add Syrup of Citric Acid, 60 ; then crystals of Potassium Bicarbonate, 
25. Cork and wire immediately. It effervesces when uncorked. 

Dose, 2 to 8 fl. oz. ; 60. to 240. c.c] 

3. MAGNESIA. — Light Magnesia. MgO [=40.26.] Synonym. — Cal- 
cined Magnesia. 

SOURCE. — [By heating the official Magnesium Carbonate ; water and Car- 
bon Dioxide are given off, and Magnesium Oxide remains behind. 4(MgC0 3 ), 
Mg(OH) 2 + 5 H 2 0=5MgO+ 4 C0 2 +6H 2 0. 

Characters. — A white, very light and very fine powder, without odor, 
and having an earthy, but not saline taste. Solubility. — Almost insoluble in 
water ; insoluble in Alcohol. 

Light Magnesia is tised to prepare Heavy Magnesia and is contained in 
Massa Capaibae, Pulvis Rhei Compositus and Ferri Oxidum Hydratum cum 
Magnesia. 

Dose, 5 to 60 gr. ; .30 to 4.00 gm.] 

4. MAGNESIA PONDEROSA.— Heavy Magnesia. [MgO=40.26. 
Source. — From Magnesia by trituration for some time in the presence of 

strong Alcohol, drying, and rubbing to powder. 

Characters. — A white, dense and very fine powder, which should cor- 
respond to the tests for Magnesia, from which it differs in not readily uniting 
with water to form a gelatinous hydrate. ] 

Dose, 5 to 60 gr. ; [.30 to 4.00 gm.] 

Action of Magnesium Salts. 

External. — None. 

Internal. — Stomach and Intestines. — Magnesia and magne- 
sium carbonate are antacid, acting in many ways like the potas- 
sium and sodium alkalies. Carbon [dioxide] is given off, if the 
carbonate has been given, and is sedative to the stomach. They 
are both decomposed by the gastric juice, magnesium chloride, 
lactate and bicarbonate being formed. These salts, or the sul- 
phate, if that has been taken, act in the intestine, as typical 
saline purgatives. The sulphate is most powerful. The 
mode of action of this group of purgatives has been discussed 
on p. 93. 

Blood and Urine. — Like other alkaline remedies, these mag- 
nesium salts increase the alkalinity of the blood, alkalize the 
urine, help to keep uric acid in solution, and are diuretic. But 



164 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

their action on the blood and urine is feebler than that of potas- 
sium and sodium salts, for they are with difficulty absorbed. 
Large doses injected into the blood of animals are toxic, killing 
by their action on the heart. 

Therapeutics of Magnesium Salts. 

Internal. — 'Stomach. — Magnesia and the carbonate are mild 
alkaline remedies, and may be used in the same class of cases as 
other alkalies. They form insoluble compounds with mineral 
acids, oxalic acid, and mercury, arsenic and copper salts. By 
alkalizing the gastric contents they hinder the absorption of 
alkaloids. They are, therefore, antidotes to all these substances ; 
the objection to them is their bulk. Magnesia is to be preferred, 
as the carbonate gives off carbon [dioxide] gas. They must be 
freely given. The sulphate is an antidote to lead and barium 
salts, forming insoluble sulphates. 

Intestines. — The magnesium salts are very common purga- 
tives. Magnesia, the carbonate, and the citrate are excellent 
for children. The sulphate is one of our best saline purgatives. 
It is very largely used, especially for the varieties of constipation 
that are associated with hepatic disorder, gout or excessive uric 
acid. Its use is then spread over some time, and it may conve- 
niently be taken as one of the mineral waters which contain it 
and sodium sulphate {see p. 144). A concentrated solution, 
causing as it does an increased secretion of intestinal fluid, is a 
useful purge for dropsy or ascites. [It is useful with glycerin in 
concentrated enema for thorough cleansing of the bowels before 
surgical operations (glycerin, 1 oz. ; 30. c.c, in a saturated 
solution of magnesium sulphate, in hot water 3 oz. ; 90. c.c, 
which is allowed to cool). It can also be used hypodermatically 
in dose of 3 gr. ; .20 gm., which frequently will cause a watery 
evacuation. In operations during which the abdomen is opened, 
the subsequent intestinal paralysis can be prevented from causing 
constipation by injecting into the small intestine through a cannula 
one ounce; 30. c.c. of a saturated solution of magnesium sul- 
phate. The wound in the bowel should be closed by a Lembert 
stitch.] 



THE SALTS OF LEAD. 1 65 

Blood and kidneys. — So little of these salts is absorbed that 
they are only to be given for their alkaline effects on the blood 
and urine in those cases of gout and uric acid gravel in which 
potassium or sodium salts cannot be borne. 

V. CERIUM. 

0=139.9. 

CERII OXALAS.— [Cerium Oxalate. Ce 2 (C 2 4 ) 3 -f 9^0=704. 78. 
Synonym. — Cerous Oxalate. 

Source.— The powdered mineral is heated with concentrated Sulphuric 
Acid, ignited, then dissolved in dilute Nitric Acid and treated with Hydrogen 
Sulphide to remove copper; the calcium salt is held in solution by a little Hy- 
drochloric Acid, and the cerite metals are precipitated as oxalates by Oxalic 
Acid. It is purified by calcination and solution, reduced to a cerous salt and 
precipitated by Oxalic Acid. 

Characters. — A white granular powder, without odor or taste. Solu- 
bility. — Insoluble in water, Alcohol or Ether.] 

Impurities. — Aluminum and lanthanum and didymium oxalates. 

Dose, 1 to 8 gr. ; [.06 to .50 gm.] 

Therapeutics of Cerium Oxalate. 

It is given empirically for vomiting, especially for that of 
pregnancy, and occasionally with benefit. No physiological 
action is known. [The dose above given is often exceeded ; 30 
gr. (2. gm.) ; have been frequently given with good results,] 

GROUP IV. 

Plumbum, Argentum, Zincum, Cuprum, Bismuthum, 
Aluminum. 

The pharmacopceial Salts of these metals are powerful astringents. 
Many of them have some Salts which are emetic, and others which, when 
applied locally, are Caustic. Aluminum pharmacologically falls into this 
group. 

I. PLUMBUM. 

Pb=2o6.4. 

1. PLUMBI OXIDUM.— [Lead Oxide. PbO=222.36.] Synonym. 
— Litharge. 

Source. — Made by roasting Lead in air. 



1 66 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

CHARACTERS. — [A heavy, yellowish or reddish-yellow powder or minute 
scales, without odor or taste. Solubility. — Almost insoluble in water; soluble 
in Nitric and Acetic Acids. 

Impurities. — Copper, iron and carbonates. 

Lead Oxide is used to make Liquor Plumbi Subacetatis. ] 

Preparations. 

i. Emplastrum Plumbi. — Lead Plaster. This is lead oleate, 
and is sometimes called Diachylon Plaster. [Lead Oxide, 3200, 
is boiled in water, and Olive Oil, 6000. "When the mass has acquired 
a whitish color and is perfectly homogeneous, it is well kneaded to 
remove the Glycerin and divided into rolls of suitable size.] 3PbO-f- 
3H 2 0+2(C 3 H 5 (C 18 H 33 2 ) 3 )=3(Pb 2 (C 18 H330 2 ) 2 )4-2(C 3 H 5 (OH)3). _ 

[Lead Oxide or its Plaster is contained in Emplastrum Ammoniaci 
cum Hydrargyro, Ferri, Hydrargyri, Opii, Resinae, and Saponis. 

2. Unguentum Diachylon. — Diachylon Ointment. Lead Plas- 
ter, 500; Olive Oil, 490 ; Oil of Lavender Flowers, 10.] 

2. PLUMBI ACETAS.— Lead Acetate. Pb(C 2 H 3 2 ) 2 +3H 2 0[= 
378.0.] Synonym. — Sugar of Lead. 

Source. — [Metallic Lead is dissolved, in the presence of air, in Acetic 
Acid. PbO+2C 2 H 4 2 +2H 2 0=Pb(C 2 H 3 2 ) 2 +3H 2 0. To obtain well-de- 
fined crystals the solution must have a distinctly acid reaction. 

Characters. — Colorless, shining, transparent, monoclinic prisms or 
plates, or heavy, white, crystalline masses, or granular crystals, having a faintly 
acetous odor, and a sweetish, astringent, afterwards metallic taste. Efflores- 
cent, and absorbing Carbon Dioxide, on exposure to the air. Solubility. — In 
1.8 parts of water.] 

Incompatibles. — Hard water, mineral acids and salts, alkalies, lime 
water, potassium iodide, vegetable astringents, preparations of opium, and 
albuminous liquids. 

Impurity. — Lead carbonate. 

Dose, l / 2 to 5 gr. ; [.03 to .30 gm.] ^ 

Preparations ?nade from the Acetate in which Lead exists as the SUBACE- 
TATE, Pb 2 0(C 2 H 3 2 ) 2 =546.48. 

[1. Liquor Plumbi Subacetatis. — Solution of Lead Subacetate. 
Synonym. — Goulard's Extract. Lead Acetate, 170 ; and Lead Oxide, 
100 ; are boiled together in distilled water, to make 1000. An aqueous 
liquid containing approximately 25 per cent, of Lead Subacetate. 

2. Liquor Plumbi Subacetatis Dilutus. — Diluted Solution of 
Lead Subacetate. Synonym. — Lead Water. Liquor Plumbi Subaceta- 
tis, 30 ; distilled water to 1000. 

3. Ceratum Plumbi Subacetatis. — Cerate of Lead Subacetate. 



THE SALTS OF LEAD. 1 67 

Synonym. — Goulard's Cerate. Solution of Lead Subacetate, 200 ; 
Camphor Cerate, 800.] 

3. PLUMBI CARBONAS.— [Lead Carbonate. A mixture of Car- 
bonate and Hydrate. (PbC0 3 ),Pb(OH) 2 =772.82. Synonym. — White Lead. 

Source. — Expose Lead to the vapor of Acetic Acid and to air charged 
with Carbon Dioxide. 6Pb+ 6HC 2 H 3 2 +30 2 +2C0 2 =(PbC0 3 ), Pb(OH) 2 -f- 
2H 2 0+2Pb(C 2 H 3 2 ) 2 . 

Characters. — A heavy, white, opaque powder, or a pulverulent mass, 
without odor or taste. 

Impurity. — Lime. 

Preparation. 

Unguentum Plumbi Carbonatis. — Ointment of Lead Carbon- 
ate. Lead Carbonate, 10; Benzoinated Lard, 90.] 

4. PLUMBI NITRAS.— [Lead Nitrate. Pb(N0 3 ) 2 =330.i8. 
Source. — Dissolve Lead in warm diluted] Nitric Acid. 
Characters. — [Colorless, transparent, octahedral crystals, or white 

opaque crystals ; without odor, and having a sweetish, astringent, afterwards 
metallic taste. 

Ledoyen's Disinfecting Fluid is Lead Nitrate, 1 ; dissolved in water, 8 
parts.] 

5. PLUMBI IODIDUM.— [Lead Iodide. Pbl.^430.46. 

Source. — Mix solutions of Lead Nitrate and Potassium Iodide and dry 
the precipitate. Pb(N0 3 ) 2 +2KI=2KN0 3 +PbI 2 . 

Characters. — A heavy, bright-yellow powder, without odor or taste. 
Solubility. — In about 2000 parts of water. 

Preparation. 

Unguentum Plumbi Iodidi.— Ointment of Lead Iodide. Lead 
Iodide, 10 ; Benzoinated Lard, 90.] 

Action of Lead Salts. 

External. — The action of lead salts on the unbroken skin, 
if they have any, is very slight ; but when applied to the abraded 
skin, to sores and to ulcers, they coagulate the albumin of the 
discharge, thus forming a protective coat ; they coagulate the 
albumin in the tissues themselves ; and they contract the small 
vessels ; for these three reasons they are powerfully astrin- 
gent. They also soothe pain, and are therefore excellent local 
sedatives. It is obvious that substances so markedly astringent 



1 68 INORGANIC MATERIA M-EDICA. 

will be haemostatics. Any salt may be irritant and caustic if 
enough be used, and it is sufficiently concentrated. 

Internal. — Lead salts act on mucous membranes precisely 
as on the unbroken skin, and are therefore powerfully astringent 
and haemostatic to all parts of the alimentary canal, from the 
mouth downwards. In the stomach they are converted into a 
chloride. (For other actions see Toxicology.) 

Therapeutics of Lead Salts. 

External. — Lead salts are applied as lotions or ointments in 
many conditions for which an astringent, sedative effect is de- 
sired, as in weeping eczema and many varieties of ulceration. 
The glycerin of the subacetate [B. P., lead acetate, 10 ; lead 
oxide, 7 ; glycerin, 40 • water, 24 ; boiled together] diluted 
fourfold with glycerin or milk is useful for these conditions. 
The lotions may be injected in vulvitis, leucorrhcea, gleet and 
otorrhcea, but should not be applied for ulceration of the cornea, 
lest the white precipitate formed should lead to permanent 
opacity. The sedative effect is well seen in their use in pruritus ; 
but of course the cause of the itching should, if possible, be re- 
moved. The Liquor Plumbi Subacetatis is rarely used, as it is 
strong enough to irritate ; the diluted form is that usually em- 
ployed when a lotion is desired. It is often applied to bruises 
when the skin is unbroken, but is doubtful if it is absorbed. 
The ointment is an excellent remedy, and a lotion of lead and 
opium is a favorite preparation. It may be made by mixing 5 gr. 
[.30 gm.] of extract of opium with 1 oz. [30. c.c] of Liquor 
Plumbi Subacetatis Dilutus and 1 oz. [30. c.c] of water. Di- 
achylon ointment mixed with an equal quantity of zinc oleate 
and mercuric oleate ointments forms a transparent ointment ex- 
cellent for many purposes. 

Internal. — The chief uses of lead salts (the acetate is the 
only one given internally) are as astringents in severe diarrhoea, 
such as that of typhoid fever, and as haemostatics, as in gastric 
ulcer, or in haemorrhage from the intestine, especially if severe, 
as in typhoid fever or tuberculosis. For these purposes the 
Pilula Plumbi cum Opio [B. P., lead acetate, 3 gr.; .20 gm.; 



THE SALTS OF LEAD. 1 69 

opium, 1 gr.; .06 gm.] is very valuable, and suppositories con- 
taining the same amount of the ingredients may be employed for 
rectal haemorrhage. Lead salts produce marked constipation. 
Other preparations are generally preferred, but lead subacetate 
may be used as a gargle when an astringent effect on the mouth 
or pharynx is desired. 

Toxicology. 

Acute Lead Poisoning. — As when applied externally, so when taken in- 
ternally, the lead salts, if concentrated, are powerful irritants. Cases of acute 
poisoning are rare. The Acetate is most frequently taken. There is a burn- 
ing, sweetish taste in the mouth, thirst, vomiting [of whitish fluid due to lead 
chloride], abdominal colic, and usually constipation, but if the bowels are 
open the feces are black [due to lead sulphide] : the skin is cold, and there is 
collapse. If the patient live long enough, cramps in the legs, giddiness, torpor, 
coma, and convulsions are present. Post-mortem. — The stomach and intes- 
tines show signs of irritant poisoning. 

Treatment. — Give emetics [see p. 139), or wash out the stomach. Give 
Sodium or Magnesium Sulphate to form an insoluble sulphate, and to open 
the bowels. If collapse is present, stimulants and warmth should be used. 

Chronic Lead Poisoning. — This is so common [that the sources of acci- 
dental poisoning should be borne in mind. The most important are : soft 
water, carbonated waters and alcoholic drinks (beer) which have passed 
through lead pipes or been stored in receptacles lined with lead. Occupations 
as painters {colica pictonum), plumbers, type-setters, gold-miners, white lead 
workers, potters, glaziers ( Devonshire colic ) because] they will not wash their 
hands before meals [nor use ordinary care ; lead hair dyes 'and face powders, 
biting leaded white thread, eating certain canned fruits (lead solder), sheet- 
lead (tin- foil) about tobacco, filling holes in mill-stones with lead, giving of tin 
(lead) soldiers to children, use of lead carbonate ointment on burns, lead 
bullets in flesh, white or red lead used for preparing rubber for Vulcanizing, 
lead plates in dentistry (Osier), the use of lead chromate to color buns yellow- 
ish, have all been followed by chronic plumbism.] 

Symptoms. — The earliest are constipation and intestinal colic. Lead is 
certainly absorbed, for it circulates in the blood and is excreted, chiefly, by 
the kidneys. It is supposed to be taken up as an albuminate, but it cannot 
exist in the blood as such, for it would be precipitated by the alkali of that 
fluid. After absorption it diminishes the amount of haemoglobin and the num- 
ber of red blood-corpuscles, and produces a sallow anaemia ; it checks the 
separation of urates from the blood and their excretion by the kidneys, hence 
gout is very common in those poisoned by lead. As it circulates in the gums, 
and the lead-impregnated plasma bathes the epithelium, through which some 
of the sulphur in the food and in the tartar of the teeth has diffused, a Lead 
Sulphide is precipitated in the gums, and forms the well-known very dark-blue 



I/O INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

line [known as Burton's line], at the base of the teeth. For the same reason 
a blue line may occasionally be seen round the anus, and, after death, deposits 
of pigment in the intestines. Circulating in the nervous system, lead very often 
produces chronic inflammation of the peripheral nerves, especially those sup- 
plying the extensors of the hand, and hence wrist- drop is a very common 
symptom ; but any muscle, and sometimes almost all the muscles of the body, 
may be paralyzed from neuritis [it is a clinical observation that such muscles 
are very refractory to electricity]. It is noteworthy that the supinator longus 
usually escapes, [the reason apparently being that the supinator is not an ex- 
tensor muscle] . The sensory fibres of the nerves are not often affected, hence 
pain and anaesthesia are rare ; but pains, especially round the joints, may occur. 
In exceptional cases the anterior cornua of the spinal cord waste, and lead 
often affects the brain, causing saturnine lunacy, and also convulsions, known 
as saturnine epilepsy. Inflammation of the optic nerve or optic neuritis, some- 
times occurs, leading to blindness, which, however, may be present without 
any change in the nerve. The kidneys are often the seat of chronic inflam- 
mation ; whether this is due to the passage of the lead through them, or to the 
gout caused by the lead, is an open question. 

Treat?nent. — The treatment consists chiefly in avoidance of the source of 
poisoning, [the use of Sulphuric Acid lemonade, and in the administration of 
Potassium Iodide which] is often given, as it is supposed to increase the ex- 
cretion of lead in the urine. This is probably incorrect as very little lead 
passes out by the urine ; most leaves the body by the faeces. It is said also to 
be excreted in the bile, sweat, and milk. For a clinical account of the symp- 
toms and treatment a text-book of medicine must be consulted. 

[The following method may be employed to determine the presence of lead 
in the urine. Administer potassium iodide for four days, collecting the urine. 
Evaporate to a pint; 500 c.c. , and filter. Pass hydrogen sulphide gas 
through the urine thus concentrated, when a black precipitate will form if lead 
is present. Other substances give a black precipitate with hydrogen sulphide, 
but none are likely to be present in the urine. A simple test is to paint a 
small area of skin with a six per cent, solution of sodium sulphite. If lead is 
present the painted area will darken after a few days, (Cicconardi). Patients 
using face enamels containing lead will find the skin blackened on taking 
baths in water containing hydrogen sulphide (Richfield Springs).] 

II. ARGENTUM. 

Ag.=[ic>7.66. 

1. ARGENTI NITRAS.— Silver Nitrate. AgN0 3 =i6a.55.] Syn- 
onym. — Lunar caustic. 

Source. — Dissolve Silver in Nitric Acid with the aid of heat. Evaporate 
and crystallize. [6HN0 3 +3Ag 2 =6AgN0 3 +3H 2 . 

Characters. — Colorless, transparent, tabular, rhombic crystals, becom- 
ing gray or grayish-black on exposure to light in the presence of organic 



THE SALTS OF SILVER. \J\ 

matter ; without odor, but having a bitter, caustic and strongly metallic taste. 
Solubility. — In 0.6 part of water ; and in 26 parts of Alcohol.] It should be 
kept in the dark, as light blackens it. 

INCOMPATIBLES. — Alkalies and their carbonates, chlorides, acids (except 
nitric and acetic), potassium iodide, solutions of arsenic and astringent infu- 
sions. 

Impurities. — Other nitrates. 
- Dose, % to 1 gr. ; [.015 to .06 gm.] in a pill. 

Preparations. 

[1. Argenti Nitras Dilutus. — Diluted Nitrate of Silver. Syn- 
onym. — Mitigated caustic. 

Source. — It is a mixture made by fusing together Silver Nitrate, 
30, and Potassium Nitrate, 60. The product is poured into moulds. 

Characters. — A white, hard solid, generally in the form of pencils 
or cones of a finely granular fracture, becoming gray or grayish-black 
on exposure to light in the presence of organic matter ; odorless, hav- 
ing a caustic, metallic taste, and neutral to litmus paper. 

2. Argenti Nitras Fusus. — Moulded Nitrate of Silver. Syn- 
onyms. — Lunar caustic. Lapis infernalis. 

Source. — By melting Silver Nitrate, 100 ; Hydrochloric Acid, 4 ; 
cooling in moulds. 

Characters. — A white, hard solid, generally in the form of pen- 
cils of a fibrous fracture, becoming gray or grayish-black on exposure 
to light.] 

2. ARGENTI OXIDUM.— [Silver Oxide. Ag 2 0=23i.28. 

Source. — Shake a solution of Silver Nitrate with a solution of Potassa and 
wash the precipitate. 2AgNO s +2KOH=Ag 2 0+KN0 3 +H 2 0. 

Characters. — A heavy, dark brownish-black powder, having a metallic 
taste. Solubility. — Slightly in water.] 

Incompatibles. — Chlorides and organic substances, especially creosote, 
for it rapidly oxidizes them and forms explosive compounds. 

Impurity. — Metallic silver. 

Dose, l / z to 2 gr. ; [.03 to .12 gm.] in a pill with kaolin. 

3. [ARGENTI CYANIDUM.— Silver Cyanide. AgCN=i3 3 .6 4 . 
Source. — From Potassium Cyanide, which reacts with Silver Nitrate, 

producing the precipitate of Silver Cyanide. KCN-|-AgN0 3 =AgCN-)-KN03. 

Characters. — A white powder, odorless and tasteless, permanent in dry 
air, but gradually turning brown on exposure to light. Solubility. — Insoluble 
in water and Alcohol. 

Silver Cyanide is used to prepare extemporaneously Acidum Hydrocyani- 
cum Dilutum. 



172 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

4. ARGENTI IODIDUM.— Silver Iodide. Agl=234.i9. 

Source. — From Silver Nitrate and Potassium Iodide, washing and drying 
the precipitate. AgN0 3 -f Kl=AgI-f-KN0 3 . 

Characters. — A heavy, amorphous, light-yellowish powder, without 
odor and taste. Solubility. — Insoluble in water and Alcohol. 

Dose, X to 1 gr. ; .015 to .06 gm.] 

Action of Silver Salts. 

External. — The action of silver salts is very like that of lead 
salts, but they are more powerful. Therefore silver nitrate is 
much used as a caustic, but it does not act deeply ; it is conse- 
quently an admirable agent when we wish a limited caustic action 
on any particular part. Lotions of it may be used as astrin- 
gents, but they are not so useful as lead lotions, for they are 
more irritating and. cause pain. Silver salts, like lead salts, are 
haemostatic, acting in precisely the same way. Weak solutions 
of the nitrate stimulate to healthier action indolent ulcers and 
other inflamed surfaces. 

Internal. — Silver salts, when locally applied to the mucous 
membrane of the mouth, act as upon the abraded skin. In the 
stomach the nitrate is decomposed : we do not know what com- 
pound is formed, but it is said to have no astringent action. 
Silver is absorbed from the alimentary tract, for its long-continued 
use leads to a bluish-slate color of the skin (argyria). This color 
is due to the deposition of minute granules of metallic silver. 
Very little is known about its further action. In acute poison- 
ing severe vomiting and nervous symptoms, as convulsions, are 
met with; in the chronic form, seen more often when silver was 
frequently prescribed internally, is shown by paralysis like that 
due to lead, albuminuria, and the discoloration above mentioned. 
Some is passed in the faeces as the sulphide ; some is deposited 
in the internal organs, especially the kidney. 

Therapeutics of Silver Salts. 

External. — Silver nitrate is much used because it is, from its 
limited action, one of the best caustics, and may be employed to 
destroy warts and exuberant granulations, or to apply to bites ; 
but it must be remembered that it is of no use when an extensive 



THE SALTS OF SILVER. 1 73 

or deep action is required. [Silver nitrate is a dangerous caustic 
to employ in deep bites, for the pellicle of silver albuminate re- 
tains the poison in the wound.] Because of its combination of 
an irritant stimulating effect with an astringent influence, lotions 
of it, of generally about 5 gr. ; [.30 gm.] to the fluid ounce ; [30. 
c.c] of water are of much benefit when applied as a paint to 
weak ulcers, to bedsores, to the affected parts in chronic pharyn- 
gitis or laryngitis, or as an injection in gleet or inflammation of 
the [cervix] uteri. [An useful injection in gonorrhoea is silver 
caseinate (Argonin, not official) in 1.5 per cent, solution which 
causes the speedy disappearance of gonococci, but since this is 
not astringent, other remedies must be employed to relieve the 
inflammation. Silver lactate (Actol, not official) is used as an 
antiseptic in sore throat, gonorrhoea, etc. , in a 2 per cent, solu- 
tion. Silver citrate (Itrol, not official) in 1 to 4000 solution is 
employed for the same purpose]. Weaker solutions (1 to 240) 
are employed for granular lids and various forms of ophthalmia. 
[Ophthalmia neonatorum is best treated by early applications of 
a 1 per cent, aqueous solution of silver nitrate. This is com- 
monly known as Crede's method, but the original formula as 
prescribed by him was double this strength.] Solutions of the 
nitrate will sometimes relieve pruritus, and may be applied to 
the red skin of a threatening bedsore ; very strong solutions 
have been recommended as a local application in erysipelas. 
Tinea tarsi is often treated by the application of solid silver 
nitrate, and ulcers of the mouth and other parts may be touched 
with it. It is an excellent haemostatic for leech -bites. It is also 
applied to smallpox vesicles to prevent pitting, to boils, and to 
the uterus in chronic cervical catarrh. Protargol [not official] , 
a proteid compound containing 8 per cent, of silver easily solu- 
ble in water, is used as an injection for gonorrhoea. The usual 
strength is 1 per cent. [Argentamine (not official) a 10 percent, 
solution of silver nitrate in a 10 per cent, solution of ethylen- 
diamine has been used in gonorrhoea and conjunctivitis in a 1 to 
4000 solution ; also as a disinfectant. This sterilizes a pure 
culture of gonococci in from five to seven minutes. It can be 
used in as strong a solution as 1 to 1000 in the urethra, it pene- 



174 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

trates deeply into the tissues without altering them, and by the 
seventh day the discharge is usually quite thin and gonococci 
can hardly be found. It then disappears rapidly. The iodide 
possesses the general properties of the nitrate. 

Silver, soluble in water, an allotropic form discovered by Lea 
about 1890, now termed colloidal silver (not official), has re- 
cently been well received and has obtained a permanent place 
in therapeutics. It is employed as a 15 per cent, ointment 
(Crede) by inunction. It has been used successfully for chronic 
furunculosis, phlebitis and other septic processes.] 

Internal. — Silver salts are not much used internally, and 
their continuous employment is objectionable on account of the 
[discoloration of the skin] produced. They were formerly often 
given in nervous diseases ; but there is no evidence that they did 
any good. Although it is said that the compound of silver formed 
in the stomach is non-astringent, silver nitrate will certainly 
check severe diarrhoea, especially that of children. [Colloidal 
silver is entirely soluble in water, and in albuminous fluids is 
unirritating, so that it can be administered hypodermatically and 
intravenously as well as by inunction, as is mentioned above. 
For internal use, to prevent its conversion into a chloride in the 
stomach, it is first dissolved in equal parts of albumin and gly- 
cerin. The dose is igr., .01 gm., two or three times daily. Crede 
claims that it has a very beneficial influence and often affords a 
rapid cure in recent and also in chronic sepsis, when secondary 
changes in the vital organs have not occurred. It seems to in- 
hibit the action of staphylococci and streptococci or destroy 
them altogether. It has been used in various conditions : osteo- 
myelitis, so-called gonorrhceal rheumatism, puerperal fever, 
cerebro-spinal meningitis, and diverse septic processes. Thus 
far no instance of argyria from its use has been reported.] 
Sixty grains [4. gm.] of silver nitrate dissolved in three pints 
[1500. c.c] of tepid water, and injected high up the rectum, 
have been used with great benefit in dysentery. 

[Toxicology. 
The nitrate sometimes causes acute poisoning. 
Symptoms. — These are intense pain in the abdomen and muscular spasm, 



THE SALTS OF ZINC. IJ$ 

followed by vomiting and purging. The face is livid and covered with per- 
spiration. The vomited matter is black and contains coagulated mucus. 
Chronic poisoning or argyria shows itself by a permanent slaty discoloration 
of the skin, conjunctiva? and labial mucous membrane and ulcerations in the 
digestive tract. 

Treatment. — This consists of administering a solution of sodium chloride 
(common salt), soothing the mucous membranes by injection of milk and reliev- 
ing pain with opium. The chronic form is avoided by interrupting the treat- 
ment, using eliminating remedies, and preventing staining of the skin by baths 
of sodium hyposulphite. ] 

III. ZINCUM. 
Zn.=65.[io]. 

i. ZINCUM.— Zinc. Zn. [=65.10. 

Source. — Roast the native Zinc Sulphide or Carbonate, and reduce the 
resulting Oxide with Charcoal. 

Characters. — A bluish-white metal in the form of thin sheets, or irreg- 
ular, granulated pieces, or moulded into thin pencils, or in a state of fine 
powder.] 

2. ZINCI CHLORIDUM.— [Zinc Chloride. ZnCl 2 =i35.84. 
Synonym. — Butter of Zinc. 

Source. — Dissolve Zinc in Hydrochloric Acid by boiling. The solution 
contains Zinc Chloride, with Iron and Lead Chlorides as impurities. These 
are precipitated by adding first Nitric Acid, then Zinc Carbonate. Filter and 
finally evaporate. Zn 2 -f-4HCl=2ZnCl-(-2H 2 . 

Characters. — A/white, granular powder, or porcelain-like masses irreg- 
ular, or moulded into pencils ; odorless, of such intensely caustic properties as 
to make tasting dangerous, unless the salt be dissolved in much water, when it 
has an astringent, metallic taste. Very deliquescent. Solubility. — In 0.3 part 
of water ; very soluble in Alcohol. 

Impurities. — Iron and lead chlorides,] calcium and sulphates. 

3. LIQUOR ZINCI CHLORIDL— Solution of Zinc Chloride. 
Source. — [Prepared as above, but with the addition of water. 
Characters. — A clear, colorless liquid of an astringent, sweetish taste. 

Sp. gr. about 1. 535. It contains about 50 per cent, by weight of the salt.] 

Action of Zinc Chloride. 

External. — It is very caustic, penetrating deeply, and 
limited in its effect to the seat of application. It is strongly 
antiseptic, and a solution of it of sp. gr. 2.0, known as Bur- 
nett's fluid, is used as a domestic antiseptic. 

Internal, see Toxicology. 



i76 inorganic materia medica. 

Therapeutics of Zinc Chloride. 
External. — It is used as a powerful caustic, and is often 
made into sticks with plaster of Paris to destroy warts, nsevi, 
condylomata, lupoid patches, etc. For the same purpose it may 
be made into a paste with equal parts of starch or flour. [Can- 
quoin's paste is a mixture of zinc chloride in varying strength 
with wheat flour and water.] Either the liquor, or Burnett's 
fluid, may be employed to wash out bed-pans, closets, etc., but 
zinc chloride is not so commonly used as other antiseptics. 
[Piatt's chlorides are said to consist of various salts of zinc, 
chiefly of the chloride, in saturated solution.] Zinc chloride is 
not given internally. 

4. ZINCI SULPHAS.— [Zinc Sulphate. ZnS0 4 +7H 2 0=286.64. 

Synonym. — White Vitriol. 

Source. — Made with Zinc and Sulphuric Acid as the chloride was made 
from Hydrochloric Acid, and with the same precautions for removing impuri- 
ties. 

Characters. — Colorless, transparent rhombic crystals, without odor, very 
like Magnesium Sulphate {see p. 162), but having an astringent, metallic taste. 
Solubility. — In 0.6 part of water ; insoluble in Alcohol.] 

Impurities. — Lead, iron, copper and arsenic. 

Incompatibles. — Alkalies and other carbonates, lime water, lead acetate, 
silver nitrate, astringent vegetable infusions or decoctions, and milk. 

Dose, x / 2 to 2 gr. ; [.03 to .12 gm.] (tonic) : 10 to 30 gr. ; [.60 to 2.00 
gm.] (emetic). 

5. ZINCI CARBONAS PR^ECIPITATUS.— Precipitated Zinc 
Carbonate. [2(ZnC0 3 ) 3 Zn(OH) 2 7=546. 94?. 

Source. — Boil together solutions of Zinc Sulphate and Sodium Carbonate. 
3ZnSo 4 +3Na 2 C03+2H 2 Or=2(ZnC0 3 ) 3 Zn(OH) 2 4-2C0 2 -f3Na 2 S0 4 . Dry the 
precipitated Zinc Salt. 

Characters. — An impalpable, white powder, of somewhat variable 
chemical composition, without odor or taste. Similar in constitution to Mag- 
nesium Carbonate. Solubility. — Insoluble in water and Alcohol.] 

Impurities. — Sulphates, chlorides and copper. 

Zinc Carbonate is rarely used except to make the Oxide and Acetate. 

6. ZINCI OXIDUM.— [Zinc Oxide. ZnO=8i.o6. 

Source. — Heat the precipitated Carbonate to redness in a crucible. 
2(ZnC0 3 ) 3 Zn(OH) 2 ,=3ZnO+3H 2 0+C0 2 . 

Characters. — An amorphous, white, tasteless, and odorless powder. 
Solubility. — Insoluble in water and Alcohol.] 



THE SALTS OF ZINC. 1 77 

Impurities. — The carbonate and its impurities. 
Dose, i to 5 gr. ; [.06 to .30 gm,] 

Preparations. 

1. Unguentum [Zinci Oxidi. — Ointment of Zinc Oxide. Zinc 
Oxide, 200 ; Benzoinated Lard, 800 ; melted together. 

2. Oleatum Zinci.— Oleate of Zinc. Zinc Oxide, 50 ; Oleic 
Acid, 950.] 

7. ZINCI ACETAS.— [Zinc Acetate. Zn(C 2 H 3 2 ) 2 ,+2H 2 0=2i8.74. 

Source. — Dissolve Zinc Oxide in Acetic Acid and water, and boil. 
ZnO+2HC 2 H 3 2 =Zn(C 2 H 3 2 ) 2 +H 2 0. Zinc Acetate crystallizes out. 

Characters. — Soft, white, six-sided monoclinic plates, of a pearly lustre, 
having a faintly acetous odor, and an astringent, metallic taste. Solubility. — 
In 2.7 parts of water ; and in 36 parts of Alcohol.] 

Impurities. — Those of the precipitated carbonate. 

Incompatibles. — The same as of the sulphate. 

Dose, y z to 2 gr. ; [.03 to .12 gm.] (tonic). 

8. [ZINCI BROMIDUM. See Bromine. 

9. ZINCI IODIDUM. See Iodine.] 

10. ZINCI VALERIANAS. See Valeriana. 

11. [ZINCI PHOSPHIDUM. See Phosphorus.] 

12. ZINCI SULPHOCARBOLAS. See Acidum Carbolicum. 

Action of Zinc Salts. 

External. — These salts when applied to the broken skin or 
an ulcerated surface, are all astringents, acting by precipitat- 
ing the albumin in the discharge and also that in the tissues. 
Thus they resemble lead and silver salts, but as a whole they are 
less powerfully astringent. The most active of them are the sul- 
phate and acetate, whilst the [precipitated] carbonate and oxide 
are very weak. All these zinc salts are mild haemostatics. 

Internal. — Alimentary canal. — They all have an astringent 
effect on the gastric and intestinal mucous membranes. The 
sulphate, and to a less degree the [precipitated] carbonate, in 
doses of about 20 gr. [1.20 gm.] are prompt emetics. They 
act directly on the stomach, and have the advantage of produc- 
ing very little depression. 

Remote effects. — Nothing is known about the remote action 
of zinc salts, nor do we know how they act on the blood. It has 
been stated that they are depressant to the nervous system as a 



1/8 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

whole, and that they act as remote astringents, and will there- 
fore arrest haemorrhage from the uterus, kidney, etc,, but this 
statement is probably incorrect. The prolonged administration 
of zinc salts causes symptoms like those of lead poisoning. 
Probably the symptoms of which those who work with zinc 
sometimes complain are due to arsenic and other metals which 
contaminate zinc compounds. 

Therapeutics of Zinc Salts. 

External. — A solution of the sulphate, generally about [i to 
240], usually colored red with compound tincture of lavender, 
and then called Lotio Rubra, is very often applied for its 
astringent effect to all sorts of raw surfaces and ulcers, and as 
an injection in gonorrhoea, leucorrhoea, vulvitis or otitis. Plain 
solutions of this strength may be applied to the eye for conjunc- 
tivitis. The oleate is an excellent application to sores and 
ulcers when a less astringent preparation is required ; and the 
oxide and [precipitated] carbonate, either dusted on the part or 
used as an ointment, are in constant use for cases in which only 
a mild astringent effect is desirable. An ointment, often known 
as Unguentum Metallorum, consists of equal parts of oint- 
ments of zinc oxide, lead acetate, and diluted mercuric nitrate. 
This is a very good application for many varieties of eczema, 
sores and ulcers. Equal parts of zinc oleate, mercuric oleate 
and diachylon ointment (see p. 166) form an ointment which 
has the great advantage of being transparent, and therefore the 
progress of the disease can be observed, without washing off the 
ointment. Calamine (purified zinc carbonate) is an excellent 
slight astringent for skin diseases. An ointment ( 1 to 5 of ben- 
zoinated lard) or a lotion (calamine, 3 ; zinc oxide, 3 ; lime 
water, 16; glycerin, 4; water, 160;) are good preparations. 
The following often succeeds in pruritus : Zinc oxide, 25 ; gela- 
tin, 20 ; glycerin, 60 ; water to 480. The jelly is to be melted 
when used, and applied with a brush, and then covered with 
cotton. 

Internal. — Alimentary e anal. — On account of their disagree- 
able taste, solutions of zinc salts are not used as astringents to 



THE SALTS OF COPPER. 1 79 

the mouth. Small doses of the oxide or sulphate may be given 
as astringents in diarrhoea. The sulphate is a very good emetic 
for cases of poisoning, for it acts promptly without causing much 
nausea and hardly any depression. It is occasionally given as an 
emetic to children suffering from laryngitis or bronchitis. 

Remote effects. — Because it is believed to act as a depressant 
to the nervous system, zinc sulphate has been given in hysteria, 
epilepsy, whooping-cough and chorea in doses of i to 3 gr. [.06 
to .20 gm.] thrice a day. Its use is now generally limited to 
chorea, but often its effect is so slow that it is difficult to prove 
that the patient would not have improved quite as rapidly with- 
out any drug. It is usually said to be a tonic, but there is no 
trustworthy evidence for this statement. The oxide [Trous- 
seau's pill (5 gr. ; .30 gm. of zinc oxide with 1 gr. ; .06 gm. 
of extract of hyoscyamus)] , given internally will occasionally 
check the night-sweats of phthisis [but it is quite likely to in- 
terfere with the digestion] . 

Toxicology. 

Symptoms. — Zinc Chloride is a corrosive irritant poison, causing a sensation 
of burning in the mouth and throat, abdominal pain, vomiting — the vomit con- 
taining blood, mucus, and shreds of mucous membrane, — violent purging, and 
collapse. [Zinc Sulphate, in large doses, acts as an irritant poison producing 
vomiting, colicky pains, diarrhoea and prostration.] Post-morte7n. — The ap- 
pearances are those produced by an acute irritant. 

Treatment. — Wash out the stomach, or give emetics {see p. 139), and then 
demulcents ; [lime water, mucilaginous drinks, and albumin freely in the form 
of eggs or milk.] 

IV. CUPRUM. 

01=63.18. 

1. CUPRI SULPHAS.— [Copper Sulphate. CuS0 4 +5H 2 0=248.8. 
Synonyms. — Blue Vitriol. Bluestone. Cupric Sulphate. 

Source. — Heat Copper and Sulphuric Acid together, and dissolve the 
soluble product in hot water and evaporate. 2Cu-f-2H. 2 S0 4 ^2CuS0 4 -)-2H2. 

Characters. — Large, transparent, deep blue, triclinic crystals, odorless, 
of a nauseous, metallic taste. Solubility. — In 2.6 parts of water ; almost in- 
soluble in Alcohol.] 

Impurity. — Iron. 

I>"COMPATiBLES. — Alkalies and their carbonates, lime water, mineral salts 
(except sulphates), iodides and most vegetable astringents. 



l8o INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Dose, }£ to y 2 gr. ; [.008 to .03 gm.], (astringent), 2 to 20 gr. ; [.12 
to 1.20 gm.] (emetic). 

\Copper Sulphate is used in preparing Trommer's and Fehling's test for 
sugar. ] 

Action of Copper Sulphate. 

External. — In the solid form copper sulphate is, when applied 
to raw surfaces, a powerful caustic. In dilute solutions it is an 
astringent, acting like zinc sulphate, but more powerfully. 

Internal. — Alimentary canal. — Here also, if very concen- 
trated or given in large doses, copper sulphate is an acute caustic 
irritant, but poisoning by it is very rare. In medicinal doses it 
is strongly astringent. Five to ten grains [.30 to .60 gm.] 
of the sulphate form a powerful emetic, acting directly on the 
stomach. As it is more irritating than zinc sulphate it acts more 
readily, but it has the disadvantage that, if it fails to act, the 
stomach must be promptly emptied by some other means, for if 
not the copper sulphate will cause inflammation of it. 

Remote effects. — Copper salts are slowly absorbed, and copper 
is chiefly re-excreted by the liver in the bile. Nothing is known 
of its further effects. 

Therapeutics of Copper Sulphate. 

External. — The sulphate is applied as a caustic to reduce 
exuberant granulations, and is used for tinea tarsi, being rubbed 
on the edges of the lids ; as it is milder than silver nitrate, it 
causes less pain. The Lapis Divinus, which is often used for 
this last purpose, consists of copper sulphate, potassium nitrate, 
[and alum, of each] 24 parts, [and] camphor 1 part. The first 
three are fused together. The camphor is added, and the mass 
is cast into cylindrical moulds. Lotions of copper sulphate, 
usually about [1 to 240], may be applied as astringents for just 
the same purpose as lotions of zinc sulphate ; but it must be 
remembered that they are more powerful. This is the usual 
strength for solutions which are to be dropped into the eye. 
Rather stronger solutions are mild haemostatics. Copper oleate 
[not official] made with lanolin, into an ointment of a strength 
of 10 to 20 per cent, is an excellent parasiticide for ringworm. 



THE SALTS OF BISMUTH. 151 

Internal. — In small doses copper sulphate is valuable for 
severe diarrhoea ; usually it is given by the mouth in the form of 
a pill, but it may be given as a rectal injection. It is a rapid 
emetic, and may be employed in laryngitis and bronchitis in 
children, and in cases of narcotic poisoning, for which it is use- 
ful on account of its prompt action. It is [extremely doubtful 
if it is] particularly serviceable in phosphorus poisoning [but] 
if it is used, copper [may be] deposited on the phosphorus ren- 
dering it inert. It is usual to give three or four grains [.20 to 
.25 gm.] of the sulphate in water every few minutes till vomiting 
takes place. After emetic doses of copper sulphate, there is gen- 
erally only one act of vomiting, but by that the stomach is com- 
pletely emptied. Very little is known about the remote action of 
salts of copper, but it is stated that the sulphate will cure chloro- 
sis, [and it has been recommended for the treatment of syphilis.] 

Toxicology. 

Symptoms. — In sufficient doses copper salts are violent gastro-intestinal 
irritants, but acute poisoning is very rare. Copper may be taken in very small 
quantities for a long time without producing any ill effects, for many persons 
habitually consume, without harm, preserved vegetables, the green color of 
which is due to preparation with copper. It has been thought that copper- 
smiths are particularly liable to phthisis, but they are not more prone to it than 
the followers of other dusty trades. Workers in brass may suffer from anaemia, 
a green line on and at the base of the teeth, wasting, weakness, dyspepsia, 
tremors, headache, vague pains, pharyngeal and laryngeal catarrh with occa- 
sional haemoptysis and aphonia, and profuse secretion of sweat which may be 
green. These symptoms are thought to be due to the copper contained in 
brass. Sometimes colic is due to the contamination of copper and brass by 
lead. 

[ Treatment. — For acute poisoning give albumin, milk or magnesia. Potas- 
sium ferrocyanide is the chemical antidote. Then promptly empty the stomach 
and saturate the system with potassium iodide. Chronic poisoning is best 
treated by the administration of fifteen drops of diluted phosphoric acid before 
each meal, the ingestion of large quantities of milk and thorough daily evacua- 
tion of the bowels with magnesium or sodium sulphate.] 

V. BISMUTHUM. 

Bi=[2o8.o. 
1. BISMUTHI SUBCARBON AS.— Bismuth Subcarbonate. (BiO) 2 , 
C0 3 +H 2 0?=52 7 .5 3 ?. 



152 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Source. — Dissolve Purified Bismuth in Nitric Acid and water, decant and 
filter, mix with Ammonia Water ; the precipitate is washed and dissolved in 
Nitric Acid, and poured into a solution of Sodium Carbonate, the resulting 
precipitate is collected and washed. The final reaction is 2Bi ( N0 3 ) 3 -|-3Na 2 C0 3 
-J-H 2 0=(BiO) 2) C0 3 +H 2 0+6NaN0 3 4-2C0 2 . The precipitated Carbonate is 
separated by filtration. 

Characters. — A white or pale yellowish- white powder, of somewhat 
varying chemical composition, odorless and tasteless. Solubility. — Insoluble 
in water and Alcohol. ] 

Impurities. — [Lead, arsenic, chlorides and nitrates, tellurium, the last 
giving an alliaceous odor to the breath. ] 

Dose, 5 to 60 gr. ; [.30 to 4.00 gra.] 

2. BISMUTHI SUBNITRAS.— [Bismuth Subnitrate. BiON0 3 + 

H 2 0?=:304.7i?.] 

Source. — Dissolve Purified Bismuth in Nitric Acid and water, concen- 
trate by evaporation, pour in more water, and stir thoroughly, wash and dry 
the precipitated Subnitrate. [Bi 2 +6HN0 3 =2Bi(N0 3 ) 3 -f3H 2 and Bi(N0 3 ) 3 
+H 2 0=BiON0 3 +2HN0 3 . 

Characters. — A heavy, white powder, of somewhat varying chemical 
composition, odorless and almost tasteless. Solubility. — Almost insoluble in 
water ; soluble in Alcohol.] 

Impurities. — As of the subcarbonate. 

Dose, 5 to 60 gr. ; [.30 to 4.00 gm.] 

[Bismuth subnitrate is used to prepare Neylander's test for glucose in 
urine. ] 

3. BISMUTHI CITRAS.— [Bismuth Citrate. BiC 6 H 5 7 =397.44. 
Source. — Boil Bismuth Subnitrate, 100 ; in Citric Acid, 70 ; dissolved in 

sufficient water. Wash the Precipitate and dry. BiON0 3 4-H 3 C 6 H 5 7 + 
H 2 0=BiC 6 H 5 7 +N0 4 +H 2 0. 

Characters. — A white, amorphous micro-crystalline powder. Solubility. 
— Insoluble in water ; soluble in Ammonia. 

Impurities. — As of the subcarbonate.] 

Dose, 1 to 3 gr. ; [.06 to .20 gm.] 

Preparation. 

Bismuthi et Ammonii Citras. — [Bismuth and Ammonium 
Citrate. 

SOURCE. — Mix Bismuth Citrate, 100; with distilled water to make 
a paste, heat, add Ammonia Water to make a solution, filter, evaporate, 
and dry on plates of glass. 

Characters. — Small, shining, pearly or translucent scales, of a 
slightly acidulous and metallic taste. Solubility. — Very soluble in 
water ; sparingly soluble in Alcohol.] 

Dose, 2 to 5 gr. ; [.12 to .30 gm.] 



THE SALTS OF BISMUTH. 1 83 

4. BISMUTHI SALICYLAS.— [Bismuth Salicylate (Not official.)— 

Bi(C 7 H 5 3 ) 3 Bi 2 3 -io84.59- 

Source. — It is prepared by diluting a. Glycerin solution of crystallized 
Bismuthous Nitrate with water, and decomposing this with a concentrated 
aqueous solution of Sodium Salicylate ; the precipitate is well washed with hot 
water and carefully dried. It contains about 76 per cent, of Bismuth Oxide 
and 24 per cent, of Salicylic Acid. 

Characters. — It is a soft white powder. Solubility. — Insoluble in 
water, Glycerin and Ether, but soluble in acids. 

Dose, 5 to 20 gr. ; [.30 to 1.20 gm.] 

Action of Bismuth Salts. 

External. — Bismuth salts have no action on the unbroken 
skin. Dusted on a raw surface they form a protecting coat, are 
germicidal, and are very mildly astringent. [For this pur- 
pose the tribromophenolate and subgallate, the latter also known 
as dermatol (both unofficial), are preferable.] 

Internal. — If large doses of bismuth salts are injected under 
the skin of animals, or if large doses of soluble salts are given to 
them by the mouth, they produce effects as severe as those due 
to antimony. The chief are gastro -intestinal irritation and fatty 
degeneration, and it is stated that some very susceptible persons 
may be poisoned by large doses by the mouth of insoluble salts ; 
but, as a rule, any symptoms of gastro -intestinal irritation caused 
by the insoluble bismuth salts are due to the arsenic with which 
they may be contaminated. When pure, it is probable that 
these salts, like any bland heavy powder, act chiefly as protec- 
tives to the gastro-intestinal mucous membrane ; [for gastric 
ulcer the subnitrate is to be chosen] . They have an astringent 
action, diminishing secretion, and are [especially the naphtolate 
(not official)] gastro-intestinal antiseptics. Bismuth is slowly 
absorbed and excreted in the urine [Bergeret and Mayencon], 
and it may be found in the liver, spleen, kidneys, and nervous 
system. Nothing is known of any remote effects. Bismuth 
leaves the rectum as the sulphide, and colors the faeces black. It 
may cause a purplish line on the gums. 

Therapeutics of Bismuth Salts. 
External. — Bismuth salts may be dusted on sores as protec- 
tives and mild astringents. The following is a good bismuth 



184 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

ointment: — Bismuth oxide [official in B. P.] 1 part, and oleic 
acid 8 parts, stirred in with 3 parts of white wax liquefied by 
heat, and with 9 parts of soft paraffin. The subnitrate is some- 
times snuffed up the nose during a cold, and suspended in muci- 
lage it may be used as an injection for gonorrhoea or leucorrhcea. 
Internal. — The subnitrate and the subcarbonate are chiefly 
employed, and they seem to be more efficient than the soluble 
preparations. [Soluble bismuth salts when absorbed are likely 
to act as active irritant poisons, and for this reason should not 
be used.] The insoluble preparations must be suspended in 
mucilage [of tragacanth, for with acacia a compact mass is 
formed at the bottom of the bottle] ; given thus they are more 
efficacious than as a lozenge. It is not known how the effect is 
produced, but either of these salts is remarkably efficient in re- 
moving gastric pain, whether due to ulcer or to gastritis, or 
even when no cause can be detected. Both of these drugs will 
often stop the vomiting due to gastritis, gastric ulcer, chloro- 
form, pregnancy, or indeed any other cause. For their astrin- 
gent action they are given in diarrhoea, doses of 60 gr. [4. gm.] 
being administered without any ill effect, and some believe that 
part of the benefit is due to the antiseptic action of bismuth 
salts. They appear sometimes to check the severe diarrhoea of 
tuberculous ulceration of the bowel. [For internal use the phe- 
nolate and naphtolate (neither are official) are preferable to the 
inorganic salts. They are employed in the same dose.] Their 
efficacy as gastric anodynes and gastric astringents is much in- 
creased by combination with a little morphine, and if given as 
gastric sedatives the addition of sodium bicarbonate as well as 
the morphine is an advantage. In such a prescription the bis- 
muth subcarbonate is preferable to the subnitrate, for the latter 
may act on the sodium bicarbonate and lead to the production 
of sufficient carbon [dioxide] to drive the cork out of the bottle. 
The salicylate has been largely used in various gastric disorders. 
It is supposed to combine the virtues of bismuth salts with the 
antiseptic action of salicylic acid. [Bismuth salicylate probably 
passes through the stomach unchanged to be broken up in the 
small intestine where it acts as an unirritating antiseptic. It has 



THE SALTS OF ALUMINUM. 1 85 

been proved to be a valuable remedy in the treatment of diar- 
rhoeas, typhoid fever and catarrhs of the alimentary tract. 
Heuppe's observations in Asiatic cholera prove that the tribro- 
mophenolate is a valuable intestinal antiseptic. Bismuth sub- 
gallate (dermatol) was formerly much employed in the treatment 
of gastro-intestinal indigestion, but has been supplanted by the 
more efficient naphtolate and tribromophenolate. 

Eudoxin (not official) is bismuth tetra-iodophenol-phthaleinate, 
and occurs as a tasteless, odorless, reddish -yellow, insoluble pow- 
der. This is decomposed in the intestines, and is claimed to be 
a germicide. It is certainly known that iodine is liberated. It 
is employed as an intestinal antiseptic in dose of from 5 to 8 

gr. ■ .30 to .50 gm. 

Toxicology. 

When applied in large quantity to an exterior wounded surface sufficient 
bismuth may be absorbed to produce poisoning. This may also occur if gly- 
cerin is used to form an emulsion for injection into closed cavities (abscesses, 
joint-disease). 

Symptoms. — These are acute stomatitis with a peculiar blackish discolora- 
tion of the mucous membrane, generally upon the borders of the teeth and 
extending over the whole mouth, ulceration of the mucous membrane, intestinal 
catarrh, pain and diarrhcea. Even desquamative nephritis may be set up. 

Treatment. — Use demulcents.] 

VI. ALUMINUM. 

Al=27.04. 

1. ALUMEN.— Alum. A1 2 K 2 (S0 4 ) 2 +24H 2 0[=946.46. Synonyms.— 
Aluminum and Potassium Sulphate. Potassium Alum. 

Source. — Made from Alum Slate or Shale (a mixture of Aluminum Sili- 
cate and Iron Sulphide) by roasting and exposing to the air. By lixiviating 
the heaps with water, Sulphuric Acid, Aluminum and Iron Sulphates are 
obtained in solution. This solution is concentrated, and while hot mixed with 
Potassium Chloride, which, reacting upon the Ferric Sulphate, yields Potas- 
sium Sulphate and Ferric Chloride, while the Alum separates on cooling as a 
crystalline powder. It is then purified by one or two recrystallizations. Also 
by making an Aluminum Sulphate from Al(OH) 3 , the by-product in the 
manufacture of Soda from cryolite. 

Characters. — Large, colorless, octahedral crystals, sometimes modified 
by cubes, or in crystalline fragments, without odor, but having a sweetish and 
strongly astringent taste. On exposure to the air, the crystals are liable to absorb 
ammonia, and acquire a whitish coating.] Solubility. — In 9 parts of water. 



1 86 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

INCOMPATIBLES. — Alkalies, lime, lead, mercury, and iron salts, tartrates 
and tannic acid. 

Impurities. — Ferrous sulphate and silicates. 
•Dose, 5 to 30 gr. ; [.30 to 2.00 gm.] 

Preparation. 

Alumen Exsiccatum. — [Dried Alum. Synonyms. — Alumen 
Ustum. Burnt Alum. 

SOURCE. — Heat 100 parts of Alum with moderate heat till aqueous 
vapor ceases to be disengaged, and it is reduced to 55 parts. 

Characters. — A white, granular powder, without odor, possessing 
a sweetish, astringent taste, and attracting moisture from the air. Sol- 
ubility. — Slowly but completely soluble in 20 parts of water. 

2. ALUMINI HYDRAS.— Aluminum Hydrate. Al 2 (OH) 6 =i55.84. 
Synonyms. — Aluminum Hydroxide. Hydrated Alumina. 

SOURCE. — By separate solution of Alum, 100 ; and Sodium Carbonate, 
100 in distilled water and heat. Mix the hot solutions, wash the precipitate 
with hot distilled water, dry and reduce to a fine powder. 

Characters. — A white, light amorphous powder, odorless and tasteless, 
permanent in dry air. Solubility. — Insoluble in water or Alcohol. 

Dose, 1 to 10 gr. ; [.06 to .60 gm.] 

3. ALUMINI SULPHAS. —Aluminum Sulphate. Al 2 (S0 4 ) 3 +i6 
H 2 0=628.o. 

Source. — Aluminum Hydroxide, Al(OH) 3 , a by-product in the manufac- 
ture of Soda from cryolite, is dissolved in diluted Sulphuric Acid ; the solution 
is filtered and evaporated to dryness. 

Characters. — A white, crystalline powder, without odor, having a 
sweetish and afterwards astringent taste. Solubility. — 1.2 parts of water; 
almost insoluble in Alcohol. ] 

Action of Aluminum Salts. 

External. — They have no action on the unbroken skin, but 
coagulate the albumin of the discharges from ulcers, sores, etc. , 
and thus form a protecting covering to the parts, and act as 
efficient astringents. The albumin in the tissues themselves 
is coagulated also. This coagulated albumin will compress and 
occlude the vessels, and thus alum is haemostatic. Dried alum 
absorbs water, and therefore its solid form is mildly caustic. 
[Aluminum acetate (not official) in saturated solution is a very 
penetrating antiseptic] 



THE SALTS OF ALUMINUM. 1 87 

Internal. — Alimentary tract. — Alum is an excellent astrin- 
gent for the mouth, stomach and intestines, and will cause con- 
stipation. In large doses it is emetic, acting directly on the 
stomach, and in larger still, irritant and purgative. Most, if not 
all, is passed by the faeces ; probably, in medicinal doses, it has 
no more remote effects on the tissues. 

Nervous System. — Given to animals, in large doses, it pro- 
duces paresis, loss of sensation, forced movements, drowsiness 
and death from respiratory paralysis. 

Therapeutics of Aluminum Salts. 

External. — Alum is occasionally used as a caustic to destroy 
weak, exuberant granulations. Kaolin [a native aluminum sili- 
cate, freed from gritty particles (not official)] is a good dusting 
powder. Fuller's earth [of similar chemical composition] is 
used [for the same purpose] . Kaolin resists most chemical re- 
agents, and therefore it is used as a basis for making pills of such 
bodies as phosphorus, silver nitrate or potassium permanganate, 
for with them chemical reaction would occur if an ordinary basis 
were used. [An excellent substitute for poultices is made*as 
follows: Kaolin, 1000 parts, is sifted and sterilized by heat; 
glycerin, 1000 parts, is added, the heat being continued and 
mixed by stirring for half an hour. When nearly cool add boric 
acid, 100 parts, and oil of peppermint, 1 ; oil of wintergreen, 1 ; 
and oil of eucalyptus, 2 parts.] Because of its astringency alum 
has many uses ; it may, for example, be applied to weeping ec- 
zematous surfaces, and as an injection or on [moistened] lint for 
vulvitis of children. Solutions of it have been used for leucor- 
rhcea and gleet. Ten grains [; .60 gm.] to the fluid ounce; 
[30. c.c] of water is a common strength for most purposes. 
Five grains [; .30 gm.] to the fluid ounce; [30. c.c] make a 
good eye wash or a gargle. Strong solutions, or powdered alum, 
applied locally, stop bleeding, if it is not severe, such as occurs 
from piles, leech-bites, slight cuts, the gums and the nose. [Al- 
uminum naphtol-sulphonate (alumnol, not official) in 1 to 3 per 
cent, solutions is an unirritating astringent which, although pre- 
cipitating albumin, dissolves it when in excess and therefore pen- 



155 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

etrates below the surface. It is used for the treatment of acute 
and chronic inflammations of various mucous membranes.] 

Internal. — Alimentary canal. — As a mouth wash or gargle 
[1-2 to ioo], alum is very valuable in ulcerative stomatitis, in 
aphthous conditions of the mouth, and in slight pharyngitis or 
tonsilitis. [Alum as a mouth wash attacks the enamel of the 
teeth.] One part of alum with five parts of glycerin, painted 
on with a camel's hair brush, is excellent for these conditions. 
If the nose be irrigated with a solution of alum, it may remedy 
a chronic ozaena. It has been found that other astringents are 
preferable for bleeding from the stomach and for diarrhoea, but 
a teaspoonful [4. gm.] of alum, dissolved in syrup, and given 
every quarter of an hour till vomiting is produced, is an excel- 
lent emetic for children, and may be used to produce vomiting 
in laryngitis and bronchitis, as it is non -depressant. Alum whey, 
obtained from milk curdled by alum, may be given in the diar- 
rhoea of typhoid fever. In lead colic, alum may open the 
bowels, probably because, being a sulphate, it precipitates any 
lead salts as insoluble lead sulphates. 



GROUP V. 

Ferrum, Manganum. 

It is probable that the action of these drugs is, in some respects, similar. 

1. FERRUM. 

Fe=55.88. 

1. FERRUM. — [Metallic Iron in form of fine, bright and non-elastic 
wire. ] 

Metallic Iron is pharmacopceial in two forms, viz., this and reduced iron. 
\_Metallic Iron is used to prepare Ferri Iodidum Saccharatum, Ferri Chlori- 
dum, Liquor Ferri Chloridi, and Syrupus Ferri Iodidi.] 

2. FERRUM REDUCTUM. — Reduced Iron. [Synonyms.— Que- 
venne's Iron. Iron by Hydrogen.] Metallic Iron with a variable amount 
of oxide. 

Source. — [Hydrogen gas is passed through a hot, closed tube which con- 
tains freshly prepared, thoroughly washed Ferric Oxide. Fe 2 3 4-3H 2 =Fe 2 -(- 
3H 2 0. 



THE SALTS OF IRON. 1 89 

CHARACTERS. — A very fine grayish-black lustreless powder, strongly at- 
tracted by the magnet, without odor or taste. Solubility. — Insoluble in water 
or Alcohol.] 

I MPURIT Y. — Sulphur. 

\_Reduced Iron is used to make Pilulas Ferri Iodidi and Ferri Iodidum Sac- 
charatum. 

Dose, 1 to 5 gr. ; .06 to .30 gm.] 

The following (viz., the sulphate, the carbonate, [the iodide and the lac- 
tate)] are ferrous salts, that is to say, salts of the lower Oxide, FeO. 

3. FERRI SULPHAS.— [Ferrous Sulphate. FeSO i -f7H 2 0=277.42. 
Synonyms. — If impure, Copperas. Green Vitriol. 

Source. — Iron Wire is dissolved by boiling in Sulphuric Acid and water. 
The sulphate is crystallized out. Fe 2 +2H 2 S0 4 ==2FeS0 4 -f 2H 2 . 

Characters. — Large pale, bluish-green monoclinic prisms, having a 
saline], styptic taste. Solubility. — In 1.8 parts of water ; insoluble in Alcohol. 

Impurities. — Ferric salts and copper. 

\_ Ferrous Sulphate is used to make Ferri Carbonas Saccharatus, Liquor 
Ferri Subsulphatis, Liquor Ferri Tersulphatis, and Massa Ferri Carbonatis. 

Dose, y 2 to 2 gr. ; .03 to .12 gm.] 

Preparations. 

1. Ferri Sulphas Exsiccatus. — [Dried Ferric Sulphate. Approx- 
imately 2FeS0 4 +3H 2 0=357.28. 

Source. — Allow the sulphate to effloresce at 104 F. ; 40 C, and 
heat in a porcelain dish until it weighs 64 to 65 parts. 

Characters. — A grayish-white powder, slowly but completely 
soluble in water. ] 

Dose, yi to 2 gr. ; [.03 to .12 gm. 

Dried Ferrous Sulphate is used to make Pilulce Aloes et Ferri. ] 

2. [Ferri Sulphas Granulatus. — Granulated Ferrous Sulphate. 
FeSGy-h7H 2 0=277. 4 2. 

Source. — Dissolve Ferrous Sulphate, 100 ; in diluted Sulphuric 
Acid, 5 ; and Distilled Water, 100 ; pour upon it Alcohol, 25 ; and 
filter, wash and dry the precipitate. 

Characters. — Pale, bluish-green, crystalline powder, which con- 
forms to the reactions of the sulphate. 

Impurities. — The same as of the sulphate. 

Dose, y 2 to 2 gr. ; .03 to .12 gm.] 

3. Mistura Ferri Composita. — Compound Iron Mixture. Syn- 
onym. — Griffith's Mixture. [Ferrous Sulphate, 7 ; Potassium Carbon- 
ate, 8 ; Myrrh, 18 ; Sugar, 18 ; Spirit of Lavender, 60 ; Rose Water 
to 1000.] It is a dark -green mixture containing Ferrous Carbonate, 



I9O INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

for Ferrous Sulphate and Potassium Carbonate react on each other. 
Dose, 2 to 4 fl. dr. ; [8. to 15. c.c] 

4. [Pilulae Ferri Carbonatis. — Pills of Ferrous Carbonate. Syn- 
onyms. — Ferruginous pills. Chalybeate pills. Blaud's pills. 

Ferrous Sulphate, 1 6 ; Potassium Carbonate, 8 ; Sugar, 4 ; Traga- 
canth, 1 ; Althaea, 1 gm. ; Glycerin and water ; to make 100 pills. 

Dose, 1 to 2 pills.] 

4. FERRI CARBONAS SACCHARATUS. — [Saccharated Fer- 
rous Carbonate. A powder containing Ferrous Carbonate FeCo 3 , made from 
Ferrous Sulphate, 50 ; Sodium Bicarbonate, 35 ; Sugar, and distilled water by 
solution and filtration. 

Characters. — A greenish-brown powder, of a sweetish, afterwards slightly 
ferruginous taste.] It is a very unstable compound, being easily oxidized, 
Solubility. — Only partially in water. 

Impurities. — [Sodium] Sulphate and excess of Ferrous Oxide. 

Dose, 2 to 10 gr. ; [.12 to .60 gm.] 

5. [MASSA FERRI CARBONATIS.— Mass of Ferrous Carbonate. 
Synonym. — Vallet's Mass. Ferrous Sulphate, 100; Sodium Carbonate, 100; 
Clarified Honey, ■$$> ; Sugar, 25 ; Syrup and distilled water to 100. By solu- 
tion, precipitation and evaporation. 

Dose, 1 to 5 gr. ; .06 to .30 gm. 

6. FERRI IODIDUM SACCHARATUM. — Saccharated Ferrous 
Iodide. 

Source. — From Iron Wire, 6 ; Reduced Iron, 1 ; Iodine, 17 ; distilled 
water, Sugar of Milk to 100. By solution, filtration, evaporation and trituration. 

Characters. — A yellowish-white powder, very hygroscopic, odorless, 
having a sweetish ferruginous taste. Solubility. — In 7 parts of water; only 
partially soluble in Alcohol. 

Dose, 5 to 15 gr. ; .30 to 1.00 gm.] 

7. SYRUPUS FERRI IODIDL— [Syrup of Ferrous Iodide. A 
syrupy liquid, containing 10 per cent, by weight of Ferrous Iodide. Iron 
Wire, 25 ; Iodine, 83 ; Syrup and distilled water, a sufficient quantity to 1000. 

Characters. — A transparent, pale green liquid, odorless, having a sweet 
strongly ferruginous taste and a neutral reaction. Sp. gr. about 1. 353. 
Dose, 5 to 30 m. ; .30 to 2.00 c.c] 

8. PILULE FERRI IODIDL— [Pills of Ferrous Iodide. Triturate 
Reduced Iron 4, with Iodine 5, and water ; add Glycyrrhiza I, Sugar 4, Ex- 
tract of Glycyrrhiza I, and Acacia I gm., with sufficient water, Balsam of 
Tolu and Ether, and evaporate to make 100 pills.] To be preserved from 
light and air as much as possible, as they do not keep well. 

Dose, 1 to 2 pills. 



THE SALTS OF IRON. I9I 

9. [FERRI LACT AS.— Ferrous Lactate. Fe(C 3 H 5 3 ) 2 +3H 2 0= 
287.34. 

Source. — By crystallization from a solution of Lactic Acid and Iron in 
distilled water. 

Characters. — Pale, greenish-white crusts, consisting of small needle- 
shaped crystals, having a slight, peculiar odor, and a mild, sweetish ferruginous 
taste. Solubility. — In 40 parts of water, and almost insoluble in Alcohol. 

Ferrous Lactate is tisedin Syrupus Hypophosphitum cum Ferro. 

Dose, 1 to 5 gr. ; .06 to .30 gm.] 

The following (viz. , the Chloride, the Tersulphate, the Nitrate, the Sub- 
sulphate, the Citrate, the Acetate, the Hydrate [the Ammonium Sulphate, the 
Hypophosphite and the Valerianate] are Ferric Salts : they are compounds of 
the higher Oxide, Fe 2 3 . Most are official in the form of liquors. 

10. [FERRI CHLORIDUM. — Ferric Chloride. Fe 2 Cl 6 +i2H 2 0= 

539-5- 

Source. — Iron Wire, 15 ; Hydrochloric Acid, and distilled water to 60. 
By solution in water with heat, filtration, addition of Nitric Acid, and crystal- 
lization. 

Characters. — Orange-yellow, crystalline pieces, very deliquescent, hav- 
ing a faint odor of Hydrochloric Acid and strongly styptic taste. Solubility. 
— Freely in water, Alcohol and Ether.] 

11. LIQUOR FERRI CHLORIDI.— [Solution of Ferric Chloride. 
An aqueous solution of Ferric Chloride (Fe 2 G 6 =323.98), containing about 
37.8 per cent, of the Anhydrous Salt, or corresponding to about 13 per cent, 
of Metallic Iron. 

Source. — Dissolve Iron Wire, 15.8, in Hydrochloric Acid, 870, and 
water to 1000. Fe-f-2HCl=FeCl 2 +H 2 . Nitric Acid is also added, and 
thus the Ferrous is converted into Feme Chloride. 6FeCl.,-f-6HCl-j-2HN0 3 
=3Fe 2 Cl 6 +4H 2 0+2NO. 

Characters. — A reddish-brown liquid, having a faint odor of Hydro- 
chloric Acid, and an acid, strongly styptic taste. Sp. gr. about 1.387.] 

Impurities. — Ferrous salts. 

Dose, 2 to 10 m. ; [.12 to .60 c.c] 

Preparations. 

1. Tinctura Ferri Chloridi. — [Tincture of Feme Chloride. So- 
lution of Ferric Chloride, 250 ; Alcohol to 1 000. 

Characters. — A bright, brownish liquid, having a slightly ethe- 
real odor, a very astringent, styptic taste, and an acid reaction. Sp. gr. 
about 0. 960. ] 

Dose, 5 to 60 m. ; [.30 to 4.00 c.c] 



I92 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

2. Liquor Ferri et Ammonii Acetatis. — [Solution of Iron and 
Ammonium Acetate. Synonym. — Basham's Mixture. Tincture of 
Ferric Chloride, 20 ; diluted Acetic Acid, 30 ; Solution of Ammonium 
Acetate, 200; Aromatic Elixir, 100 ; Glycerin, 120; water to 1000. 

Dose, 1 to 4 fl. dr. ; 4. to 15. c.c] 

12. LIQUOR FERRI TERSULPHATIS. — [Solution of Ferric 
Sulphate. An aqueous solution of normal Ferric Sulphate (Fe 2 (S0 4 ) 3 =399.2), 
containing about 28. 7 per cent, of the salt, and corresponding to about 8 per 
cent, of Metallic Iron. 

Source. — A hot solution of Ferrous Sulphate, 400 ; in Sulphuric Acid, 
78 ; and water, is boiled with Nitric Acid and water to 1000. 6FeS0 4 -j- 
3H 2 S0 4 +2HN0 3 =3Fe 2 (S0 4 ) 3 +4H 2 0+2NO. 

CHARACTERS. — A dark reddish-brown liquid, having an acid, strongly 
styptic taste, and an acid reaction. Sp. gr. about 1.320.] 

13. LIQUOR FERRI NITRATIS.— [Solution of Ferric Nitrate. 
Fe 2 (N0 3 ) 6 =483.i. An aqueous solution containing about 6.2 per cent, of the 
Anhydrous Salt, and corresponding to about 1. 4 per cent, of Metallic Iron. 

Source. — Precipitate Ferric Sulphate, 180; with Ammonia water, 160; 
wash thoroughly and dissolve in Nitric Acid, 71 ; distilled water to 1000. 

Characters. — A clear, amber-colored or reddish liquid, having an acid, 
styptic taste, and an acid reaction. Sp. gr. about 1.050.] 

Impurities. — Ferrous salts. 

Dose, 2 to 10 m. ; [.12 to .60 c.c] 

14. LIQUOR FERRI SUBSULPHATIS. — [Solution of Ferric 

Subsulphate. Synonym. — Monsel's solution. An aqueous solution of Basic 
Ferric Sulphate of variable chemical composition, corresponding to about 13.6 
per cent, of Metallic Iron. 

Source. — From Ferrous Sulphate, 675 ; Sulphuric Acid, 65 ; Nitric Acid, 
65 ; distilled water to 1000. v 

Characters. — A dark, reddish-brown liquid, odorless, having an acid, 
strongly styptic taste, and an acid reaction. Sp. gr. about 1. 5 50. 

Dose, 2 to 10 m. ; .12 to .60 c.c] 

15. LIQUOR FERRI CITRATIS.— [Solution of Ferric Citrate. 

An aqueous solution of Ferric Citrate, corresponding to about 7. 5 per cent, 
of Metallic Iron. 

SOURCE. — From solution of Ferric Sulphate, 1050 ; in water ; precipitation 
with Ammonia Water, 880 ; with addition of Citric Acid, 300 ; filtration and 
evaporation of filtrate to 1000. 

Characters. — A dark-brown liquid, odorless, having a slightly ferru- 
ginous taste, and an acid reaction. Sp. gr. 1.250. 

Dose, 5 to 15 m. ; .30 to 1.00 c.c] 



THE SALTS OF IRON. 1 93 

16. LIQUOR FERRI ACETATIS.— [Solution of Ferric Acetate. 
Fe 2 (C 2 H 3 2 ) 6 =464.92. An aqueous solution of Ferric Acetate. 

Source. — Ferric Sulphate, 1000 ; is precipitated with a solution of Am- 
monia Water, 850. Fe 2 (S0 4 ) 3 -f6NH 4 OH=Fe 2 (OH) 6 +3(NH 4 ) 2 S0 4 . There- 
suiting hydrate is dissolved in Glacial Acetic Acid, 260. Fe 2 (OH) 6 -f-6HC 2 H 3 2 
=Fe 2 (C 2 H 3 2 ) 6 +6H 2 0. 

Characters. — A dark, reddish -brown, clear liquid of an acetous odor, a 
sweetish, acidulous, somewhat styptic taste. Sp. gr. about 1. 160. 

Dose, 2 to 10 m. ; .12 to .60 c.c] 

17. FERRI OXIDUM HYDRATUM.— [Ferric Hydrate. Fe 2 (OH 6 ) 
=213.52. Synonyms. — Hydrated Ferric Oxide. Ferric Hydroxide. 

Source. — Add to a solution of Ferric Sulphate, 100 ; Ammonia Water, 
no. The precipitate is Ferric Hydrate. 

Characters. — A reddish-brown magma, wholly soluble in Hydrochloric 
Acid without Effervescence. 

Dose, 1 to 4 dr. ; 4. to 15. c.c] 

Preparations. 

1. Emplastrum Ferri. — [Iron Plaster. Synonym. — Strengthen- 
ing Plaster. Ferric Hydrate, 90 ; Burgundy Pitch, 140 ; Lead Plaster, 
720 ; Olive Oil, 50. 

2. Trochisci Ferri. — Troches of Iron. Ferric Hydrate, 30 ; 
Vanilla I ; Sugar, 100 gm. ; Mucilage of Tragacanth, to make loo 
troches. 

Dose, 1 to 2 troches.] 

18. FERRI OXIDUM HYDRATUM CUM MAGNESIA.— 

Ferric Hydrate with Magnesia. [Synonym. — Arsenic Antidote. Solution of 
Ferric Hydrate, 50; add to the Iron, water, 100. Magnesia, 10 ; add water 
to the Magnesia to 750. Keep in separate bottles. 

Uses. — For arsenical poisoning, for which it should be mixed by adding 
the magnesia mixture gradually to the iron solution, and shaking until a homo- 
geneous mass results. It should be given in large doses and frequently re- 
peated.] 

19. FERRI ET AMMONII SULPHAS. — [Ferric Ammonium 
Sulphate. Synonyms. — Ammonio-Ferric Sulphate. Ammonio- Ferric Alum. 
Fe 2 (NH 4 ) 2 (S0 4 ) 4 +2 4 H 2 0=962. 1. 

Source. — From crystallization of Ammonium Sulphate in a solution of 
Ferric Sulphate. 

Characters. — Pale, violet, octahedral crystals, efflorescent, odorless, hav- 
ing an acid, styptic taste, and a slightly acid reaction. Solubility. — In 3 parts 
of water ; insoluble in Alcohol. 

Dose, 2 to 10 gr. ; .12 to .60 gm. 

13 



194 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

20. FERRI HYPOPHOSPHIS. ^Phosphorus. 

21. FERRI VALERIANAS. See Valeriana.] 

The following are scale preparations of Iron, so called because they are 
dried to form scales. They are not well-defined chemical compounds. There 
are [nine — the Soluble Phosphate, Iron and Potassium Tartrate,] Iron and 
Ammonium Citrate, [Iron and Strychnine Citrate, Iron and Ammonium Tar- 
trate, the Citrate, Iron and Quinine Citrate, the soluble Iron and Quinine 
Citrate, the soluble Pyrophosphate. 

22. FERRI PHOSPHAS SOLUBILIS.— Soluble Ferric Phosphate. 
It consists of Ferric Phosphate, with some Oxides. 

Source. — Dissolve Ferric Citrate, 50 ; in distilled water, 100 ; add 
Sodium Phosphate, 55. Evaporate and dry on glass. 

Characters. — Thin, bright green, transparent scales, having an acidu- 
lous, slightly saline taste. Solubility. — Freely and completely in water. 

Dose, 1 to 5 gr. ; .06 to .30 gm. 

Preparation. 

Syrupus Ferri, Quininae et Strychninae Phosphatum. — Syrup 
of the Phosphates of Iron, Quinine and Strychnine. Synonyms. — 
Easton's Syrup. Syrupus Trium Phosphatum. Dissolve Soluble Ferric 
Phosphate, 20; in water, 50; and add Phosphoric Acid, 48 ; Quinine 
Sulphate, 30 ; and Strychnine, T 2 ff ; with Syrup, Glycerin and distilled 
water, to 1 000. 

Dose, y z to 1 fl. dr. ; 2. to 4. c.c. 

23. FERRI ET POTASSII TARTRA3.— Iron and Potassium Tar- 
trate. Synonyvis. — Potassio-Ferric Tartrate. Tartarated Iron. 

Source. — Add solution of Ferric Sulphate, 100 ; in water, 1300 ; to Am- 
monia Water, no; with water, 250; filter, add water, 1500; heat with Po- 
tassium Bitartrate, 38 ; and filter. Dry the precipitate on glass. 

Characters. — Thin, transparent, garnet-red to reddish-brown scales, 
having a sweetish, slightly ferruginous taste. Solubility. — Very soluble in 
water, insoluble in Alcohol. 

Impurities. — Ammonia and Ferrous Salts. 

Dose, 5 to 15 gr. ; .30 to 1.00 gm.] 

24. FERRI ET AMMONII CITRAS.— [Iron and Ammonium Ci- 
trate. Synonym. — Ammonio-Ferric Citrate. 

SOURCE. — From evaporation of a solution of Ferric Citrate, 100 ; with 
Ammonia Water, 40 ; to consistency of syrup. Dry the precipitate on glass. 

Characters. — Thin, transparent, garnet-red scales, having a saline, 



THE SALTS OF IRON. 19$ 

mildly ferruginous taste, deliquescent. Solubility. — Very soluble in water; 
insoluble in Alcohol.] 

Impurities. — Tartrates and alkaline salts. 

Dose, 1 to 5 gr. ; [.06 to .30 gm.] 

Preparation. 

[Vinum Ferri Citratis. — Wine of Ferric Citrate. Iron and Am- 
monium Citrate, 40 ; Tincture of Sweet Orange Peel, 150 ; Syrup, 100 ; 
White Wine, to 1 000. 

Dose, 1 to 2 fl. dr. ; 4. to 8. c.c. 

25. FERRI ET STRYCHNINE CITRAS.— Iron and Strychnine 
Citrate. 

SOURCE. — Dissolve Iron and Ammonia Citrate, 98 ; in distilled water, 
100 ; and Strychnine, I ; Citric Acid, 1 ; in distilled water, 20. Mix the solu- 
tion, evaporate to the consistency of syrup and spread on plates of glass. 

Characters. — Thin, transparent, garnet-red, to yellowish-brown scales, 
having a bitter, slightly ferruginous taste. Solubility.— Completely in water. 

Dose, 1 to 3 gr. ; .06 to .20 gm. 

26. FERRI ET AMMONII TARTRAS.— Iron and Ammonium 
Tartrate. Synonym. — Ammonio-Ferric Tartrate. 

Source. — Add solution of Ferric Sulphate, 100; to Ammonia Water, 
no ; diluted with cold water, 250 ; filter, dissolve the precipitate in Tartaric 
Acid, 29, dissolved in distilled water ; filter and evaporate to a syrupy con- 
sistence and dry on glass. 

Characters. — Thin, transparent scales, from garnet-red to reddish- 
brown, having a sweetish, slightly ferruginous taste. Solubility. — Very solu- 
ble in water ; insoluble in Alcohol. 

Dose, 5 to 15 gr. ; .30 to 1.00 gm. 

27. FERRI CITRAS.— Ferric Citrate. 

Source. — By evaporation of the Solution of Ferric Citrate to a syrupy 
consistency and drying on glass. 

Characters. — Thin, transparent, garnet-red scales, odorless, having a 

slightly ferruginous taste and an acid reaction. Solubility. — Completely in 
water ; insoluble in Alcohol. 

Dose, 1 to 5 gr. ; .06 to .30 gm.] 

28. FERRI ET QUININE CITRAS.— [Iron and Quinine Ci- 
trate. 

Source. — Dissolve Ferric Citrate, 85; in distilled water, 160; dissolve 
Quinine, 12 ; and Citrate Acid, 3 ; in distilled water, 2Q ; mix these solutions, 
evaporate to a syrupy consistency and dry on glass. 



I96 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Characters. — Thin, transparent, reddish-brown scales of a bitter, mildly 
ferruginous taste. Solubility. — Slowly but completely in water. Contains at 
least 1 1. 5 per cent, of dried Quinine.] 

Impurities. — Alkaline Salts and other alkaloids instead of quinine. 

Dose, 2 to 10 gr. ; [.12 to .60 gm. 

2g. FERRI ET QUININE CITRAS SOLUB I LIS. —Soluble 

Iron and Quinine Citrate. 

Source. — Dissolve Ferric Citrate, 85; in distilled water, 160 ; by heat- 
ing ; add Quinine, 12 ; Citric Acid, 3 ; previously triturated in distilled water, 
20 ; mix these solutions and stir with Ammonia Water, 50 ; evaporate to a 
syrupy consistency and dry on glass. 

Characters. — Thin, transparent scales, of a greenish, golden-yellow 
color, having a bitter, mildly ferruginous taste ; deliquescent. 

Dose, 2 to 10 gr. ; .12 to .60 gm. 

Preparation. 

Vinum Ferri Amarum. — Bitter Wine of Iron. Soluble Iron and 
Quinine Citrate, 50 ; Tincture of Sweet Orange Peel, 150 ; Syrup, 300 ; 
White Wine to 1000. 

Dose, 1 to 4 fl. dr. ; 4. to 15. c.c. 

30. FERRI PYROPHOSPHAS SOLUBILIS.— Soluble Ferric 
Pyrophosphate. 

Source. — By solution of Ferric Citrate, 50; Sodium Pyrophosphate, 50; 
in distilled water, 100 ; evaporation and drying on glass. 

Characters. — Thin, apple-green, transparent scales, odorless, having an 
acidulous, slightly saline taste, and a slightly acid reaction. Solubility. — 
Freely in water ; insoluble in Alcohol. 

Dose, 1 to 5 gr. ; .06 to .30 gm.] 

31. FERRI ARSENAS. [B. P. Not official.] Iron Arsenate. 
[3Fe(FeO)AsG 4 -fi6H 2 0— 1086.74.] It consists of both ferrous and ferric 
arsenates, with some oxide. 

Source. — Mix hot solutions of Solium Arsenate and Iron Sulphate, add 
Sodium Bicarbonate to neutralize the free Sulphuric Acid that is formed when 
Iron Arsenate is precipitated. 

Characters. — A greenish, amorphous powder, insoluble in water. 

Impurities. — Sulphates. 

Dose, -jig- to ]/ z gr. ; [.004 to .03 gm.] as a pill. 

32. [FERRUM DIALYSATUM.— Dialyzed Iron. (Not official. ) 
SOURCE. — By heating a solution of Ferric Chloride with Ammonia, Ferric 

Hydrate being precipitated, this being redissolved by agitation, is placed in a 



THE SALTS OF IRON. 1 97 

dialyzer and suspended in water, which is renewed so long as it shows a trace 
of Hydrochloric Acid. 

Composition. — Its composition varies from Fe 2 Cl 6 , i2Fe 2 3 to Fe 2 Cl 6 , 
95Fe 2 3 , and is a 10 per cent, solution of Ferric Oxychloride in water. 

Characters. — A reddish-brown liquid, free from astringent, styptic taste. 

Dose, 10 to 30 m. ; .60 to 2.00 c.c] 

Incompatibles of Iron Salts in General. — All substances containing 
tannic or gallic acid form an intense black with ferric salts. Preparations of 
iron are therefore incompatible with all vegetable astringent solutions, and the 
only infusions with which they can be prescribed are infusions of quassia and 
of calumba. It is a common mistake to forget that because of its tannin, the 
tincture as well as the infusion of digitalis makes an inky mixture with iron 
preparations. Such a mixture may be clarified with a little diluted phosphoric 
acid, but after a few days a slight precipitate of ferric phosphate falls. Ferric 
salts render mucilage of acacia gelatinous. 

Alkalies and their carbonates, lime water, calcium carbonate, magnesia and 
[magnesium] carbonate give green precipitates with ferrous, and brown with 
ferric salts. 

Action of Iron and its Salts. 

External. — Solutions of iron salts are antiseptic. They have 
no action on the unbroken skin, but when applied locally to the 
abraded skin, sores, ulcers, and mucous membranes, the [ferric] 
salts are powerful astringents, because they coagulate 
albuminous fluids, both those discharged from the surface and 
also those in the tissue itself. There is no direct effect on the 
walls of the vessels, but the contraction of the coagulated albu- 
min compresses them and diminishes their calibre. Partly for 
this reason, but still more because these iron salts quickly cause 
the coagulation of blood, and the clot thus formed plugs the' 
bleeding vessels, they are the most perfect local haemostatics 
we possess, and will often arrest very severe haemorrhage. 
[Ferric] chloride, the nitrate, and sulphate are all very strongly 
astringent ; but the scale preparations, reduced iron, the carbon- 
ate, iodide, phosphate and acetate are so very feebly astringent 
that they are never used as local applications • in fact, to most 
persons they are non -astringent. Ferric oxides have the prop- 
erty of converting oxygen into ozone, and are therefore disin- 
fectant. 

Internal. — Mouth. — Preparations of iron have a styptic 



I98 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

taste, the teeth and tongue may be blackened when they are 
taken, owing to the formation of ferrous sulphide, the sulphur 
being derived from the food and the tartar on the teeth ; hence 
it is advisable to take iron preparations through a glass tube [and 
immediately afterwards to brush the teeth. The free acid in the 
tincture of ferric chloride will destroy the enamel of the teeth, 
even if diluted with eight parts of water.] The astringent pre- 
parations have, when locally applied, the same action on the 
mucous membrane of the mouth as on the raw skin. 

Stomach. — Whatever form of iron is given by the mouth, it is 
converted in the stomach into ferric chloride, with probably a 
little ferrous chloride. Long experience has shown that ferric 
chloride is to the physician a most valuable preparation of iron ; 
probably this is because it will not abstract hydrochloric acid 
from the gastric juice, as is the case with all other preparations 
of iron. It is often stated that an iron albuminate is formed in 
the stomach ; this is incorrect, and when the iron albuminate is 
given by the mouth it will be converted into a chloride in the 
stomach. Although whatever form of iron is administered ferric 
chloride is formed in the stomach, the choice of the preparation 
is a matter of great importance, for if strongly acid salts are 
given, the acid set free after the formation of the chloride will 
act as a caustic, and damage the mucous membrane ; even the 
preparations of the chloride may do this, for they [always] con- 
tain a considerable amount of free acid. These facts explain 
why iron preparations, especially the acid ones, so often cause 
headache, nausea, loss of appetite, and other symptoms of severe 
indigestion. We also learn why experience has taught that the 
sulphate, which is so often used, should be given in the form of a 
pill, for this, if specially coated, is not dissolved till the intestine 
is reached, and the acid is harmless in the alkaline solutions of 
that part of the alimentary canal. Further, we see why the pre- 
parations which are either not acid at all or only very slightly 
acid, such as reduced iron, dialyzed iron, [not official] , ferrous 
carbonate and the scale preparations, do not as a rule cause in- 
digestion [but it can also be said that they are generally not so 
efficient as the stronger preparations. However, this free acid 



THE SALTS OF IRON. 1 99 

may be neutralized by the addition of sodium bicarbonate, so 
that the tincture of ferric chloride will be acid only so far as the 
basic ferric chloride has an acid reaction ; nor does this neutral- 
ization impair its therapeutic properties, for hydrochloric acid is 
added to it in the stomach. An effective preparation is now 
made, in which these disadvantages of the tincture of ferric 
chloride are removed, which is known as Weld's syrup of ferric 
chloride.] Ferric chloride is very astringent, hence the astrin- 
gent effect on the stomach of iron salts. The non-astringent 
preparations can only be astringent in proportion to the amount 
of ferric chloride formed from the gastric juice ; but if large 
quantities of astringent preparations are given, the excess which 
is not decomposed by the gastric juice will add its astringency 
to that of the ferric chloride formed in the stomach. 

Intestines. — On passing into the intestines, the contents of 
which are alkaline from sodium carbonate, ferric chloride be- 
comes ferric oxide, which remains in solution owing to the pres- 
ence of organic substances ; ferrous chloride is converted into 
ferrous carbonate, which is also soluble. Lower down in the 
intestine, by the action of the sulphur compounds, the nascent 
hydrogen, and other readily oxidizable products of decomposi- 
tion there present, these iron compounds are converted into fer- 
rous sulphide and tannate (the tannic acid being derived from 
the vegetables in the food), and as such are eliminated with the 
faeces, which are turned black. Large amounts of the astringent 
preparations have a constipating effect ; this may be owing 
to there being an excess of them, for the oxides and carbonates 
are non-astringent preparations. 

Absorption. — Iron is certainly taken up from the alimentary 
canal, for the growing child gets from its food all the iron neces- 
sary for its increase in weight, but as the total amount of iron in 
the adult body is only about 38 grains [2.46 gm.], it is probably 
absorbed very slowly in very minute amounts, and as iron in 
food exists as organic compounds, there is no doubt about the 
absorption of organic iron. 

Whether, however, inorganic iron salts can be absorbed has 
been much discussed. The prevailing opinion, founded chiefly on 



200 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

histological evidence, now is that they can be taken up by the intes- 
tinal epithelium and passed into the leucocytes of the blood in mi- 
nute particles. A little of this iron is deposited in the spleen, but 
more goes to the liver, where it is built up into complex bodies — 
one of which is called hae matin — which are the precursors of 
haemoglobin ; where in the body this is finally made is not known, 
but the red marrow utilizes it to make red blood-corpuscles. 

The other opinion is that inorganic iron salts are not absorbed. 
The chief reason for this view is that the giving of such salts by 
the mouth does not lead to more iron in the urine ; but we now 
know that this is because in such a case the excess of iron taken 
up is excreted into the intestine as an organic compound, and as it 
has been shown that under all circumstances the bile contains the 
merest traces of iron this excretion must take place by the intes- 
tinal mucous membrane. 

Blood. — It is oft&n stated that the administration of iron 
causes, in healthy subjects, an increase in the number of red 
blood-corpuscles, but this is very doubtful. Probably in health 
it has little or no effect on the blood. 

Iron salts injected into animals subcutaneously or directly into 
the veins cause gastro-intestinal irritation and paralysis from de- 
pression of the central nervous system. Part of the iron is 
stored up, but much is excreted by the gastro-intestinal mucous 
membrane. 

In certain forms of anaemia (a condition in which the amount 
of haemoglobin and the number of corpuscles are diminished), 
especially chlorosis, the administration of iron rapidly improves 
the blood in both respects. It is therefore said to be hsema- 
tinic ; and as an improvement in the quality of the blood leads 
to an improvement in the functions of all the organs of the body, 
iron is also called a tonic. Tonics are drugs which indirectly 
improve the action of the several organs of the body ; usually 
they act by improving the quality of blood or by aiding diges- 
tion, and thus rendering the digestion and absorption of the food 
more easy {see p. 115). If, as already stated, inorganic iron is 
directly taken up by the intestinal epithelium and passed to the 
leucocytes, the benefit in anaemia is easy to understand. But 



THE SALTS OF IRON. 20 1 

we have seen that some believe that inorganic iron is not ab- 
sorbed, and if this be so, it is at first sight difficult to understand 
how it can benefit anaemia. As the organic iron in food must 
be absorbed we may conclude that it is in some way or other 
protected from decomposition in the alimentary canal, if we be- 
lieve that the inorganic compounds which would result if they 
were decomposed are incapable of absorption. Bunge's hypoth- 
esis is, that in some forms of anaemia, especially chlorosis, organic 
salts of iron taken in the food are in some way split up in the 
intestines so as to be incapable of absorption. In those anaemic 
conditions which can be benefited by iron the administration of 
the inorganic salts prevents the decomposition of the organic 
salts in the food by fixing the decomposing agents, which, ac- 
cording to Bunge, are chiefly alkaline sulphides and forming iron 
sulphide. This, he says, is supported by the fact that to cure 
chlorosis rapidly, enormous doses of iron are often found to be 
necessary; for example, a patient will take 6 gr. [\40gm.] of re- 
duced iron three times a day, or 18 gr. [1.20 gm.] a day. Now, 
the whole amount of iron in the blood of an ordinary healthy 
woman is about 38 gr. [2.46 gm.], for there is only one atom of 
iron in a molecule of haemoglobin, which contains considerably 
over 2000 atoms. Supposing she had lost half her haemoglobin, 
if the iron given were simply absorbed, one day's treatment 
would speedily restore her health, but it is well known that weeks 
are often required. But if this view were correct we should ex- 
pect that bismuth, manganese, or arsenic, by fixing the decom- 
posing agents, would cure chlorosis as efficiently as irorr. It has 
been stated that they will, but Stockman has published results 
that point in a contrary direction, and he has shown that iron 
sulphide will cure chlorosis, although on Bunge's hypothesis, it 
should not ; for it will not fix the decomposing agents if they 
are alkaline sulphides. Further, many think that it is not nec- 
essary to give large doses of iron to cure chlorosis. Iron injected 
subcutaneously cures chlorosis, but this does not [point] in one 
direction more than another, for it may be excreted into the in- 
testine, and there fix the alkaline sulphides. On the whole, the 
evidence seems against Bunge's view. 



202 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Remote effects. — As iron in anaemic subjects increases the 
amount of haemoglobin, more oxygen is carried to the tissues, 
and thus the whole body shares in the benefit of a course of iron, 
which has also been thought to have a direct effect on the 
kidneys as a mild diuretic, and a direct effect in promoting the 
menstrual flow. These actions are, however, slight, and may be 
due to the general improvement in health. Iron salts have been 
given to produce abortion, but without any result. Remote 
astringent effects have been attributed to them, but there is no 
satisfactory proof that they have any ; and, indeed, when we 
remember that very little if any iron is absorbed in an astringent 
form, and it cannot exist in the blood in such a form, we should 
hardly expect that iron salts could be remotely haemostatic or 
astringent. Iron is chiefly stored in the spleen, lymphatic 
glands, liver and marrow ; possibly it is by stimulating the ac- 
tivity of this that iron cures chlorosis. 

Excretion. — One milligramme [g' ¥ gr.] of iron is eliminated 
daily in the urine, and this remains constant under all circum- 
stances. Any excess of elimination following subcutaneous in- 
jection, or excessive absorption from the intestine, takes place 
through the intestinal mucous membrane. 

Therapeutics of Iron and its Salts. 

External. — Solutions of the sulphate, chloride, nitrate and 
Liquor Ferri Subsulphatis (Monsel's solution), are the most 
valuable local astringents we have. It matters very little which 
of these *is used. In England the solution of the chloride is 
perhaps oftenest employed. Either is of service in many cases — 
for example, to stop haemorrhage from leech-bites, from the nose, 
from piles, or from the uterus, as in the haemorrhage of malig- 
nant disease. A convenient way to apply them is on lint or 
cotton soaked in the solution, and a cavity such as the nose or 
uterus may be plugged with the lint. [These preparations form 
very disagreeable clots, which readily decompose and give rise 
to septic infection.] The aqueous solution of the chloride has 
been used as a spray for haemoptysis, but as it may excite cough- 
ing, it is not to be recommended. It is very useful as an astrin- 



THE SALTS OF IRON. 203 

gent for painting on the fauces, pharynx or tonsils in inflamma- 
tion of these parts. It may, for this purpose, be diluted with 
an equal quantity of water, or a solution of 1 part of [ferric] 
chloride in 4 of glycerin may be used. It has been advised to 
paint erysipelatous skin with the tincture of [ferric] chloride. A 
solution of the sulphate (1 to 480) has been used in gleet. 

Internal. — Gastro-intestinal tract. — The astringent prepara- 
tions may be swallowed in cases of severe bleeding from the 
stomach, such as that of malignant disease, ulcer or cirrhosis. 
If the bleeding is profuse, a drachm [4. c.c] of Liquor Ferri 
Chloridi with a drachm [4. c.c] of glycerin, to facilitate swal- 
lowing, may be given every hour or oftener, and this will some- 
times apparently save a patient's life. For less serious haemor- 
rhage smaller quantities will suffice. Intestinal haemorrhage 
may also be treated in the same way. 

The tendency of [ferric] salts to constipate is usually over- 
come by the addition of some purgative ; thus, magnesium sul- 
phate is commonly given with the chloride, and aloes is often 
prescribed with [ferrous] sulphate in a pill. [This method, how- 
ever, interferes with the time during which iron remains in the 
intestines, and it is better to administer the laxative separately, 
so that the dose can be regulated according to circumstances.] 
The ferric salts have been given for diarrhoea, but there are many 
drugs more suitable for this symptom. Chronic constipation is 
often very effectually treated by a pill of [ferrous] sulphate and 
extract of mix vomica, but probably the efficient purgative in it 
is the nux vomica, although some claim that large doses of 
[ferrous] sulphate will overcome chronic constipation. [At 
least] the constipating effect of the ferric salts is often much ex- 
aggerated. 

A rectal injection of a fluid drachm [4. c.c] of the tincture 
of ferric chloride to half a pint of water [240. c.c] kills thread- 
worms [the patient being in the knee-chest position]. 

Arsenical poisoning is best treated by the humid ferric oxide, 
which should be freshly prepared by mixing together 3 fl. oz. 
[90. c.c] of Liquor Ferri Tersulphatis with 1 oz. [30. gm.] of 
sodium carbonate diluted with water. Half an ounce [15. c.c] 



204 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

should be given every five or ten minutes. An insoluble arsenite 
is formed, and may be gotten rid of by a thoroughly purgative 
dose of magnesium sulphate or some other simple purge. A dose 
of common salt or of sodium bicarbonate, followed by i fl. oz. 
[30. c.c] of dialyzed iron, [useless as an iron preparation], di- 
luted with water, is also efficient in poisoning by arsenic. [A 
better method of using iron for this purpose is given on p. 193.] 
Blood. — The great use of iron salts is to restore the amount of 
haemogloblin and the number of red corpuscles in anaemia, espe- 
cially chlorosis. They are useless in pernicious anaemia, and 
generally of little value, if any, in the anaemia of leucocythaemia, 
exophthalmic goitre, or Hodgkin's disease. All other common 
forms of anaemia are secondary to some definite cause, such as 
haemorrhage, lead poisoning, scurvy, etc., and are treated by the* 
removal, if possible, of the cause of the anaemia, but recovery 
may be aided by the administration of iron. [Ferric] chloride 
and [ferrous] sulphate are two of the most efficacious preparations, 
and pills containing a grain [.06 gm.] of the dried sulphate, with 
aloes or nux vomica, if constipation is present, are very valuable. 
It is usual to begin with one pill containing one grain [.06 gm.] 
of the dried [ferrous] sulphate thrice a day, but gradually the 
number of pills may be increased till three or four are taken at a 
dose. This method of large doses of the sulphate often appears 
to cure more rapidly than smaller doses. If these astringent, pre- 
parations cause indigestion, any of the milder preparations may 
be substituted. The carbonate may be given in pills in rapidly 
increasing doses, or the dose of reduced iron, conveniently given 
on bread and butter, may be pushed. Mistura Ferri Composita 
[Griffith's Mixture] is a disagreeable preparation to take and to 
look at, and the inky character of the aromatic mixture makes it 
undesirable. The styptic taste of some of the preparations, espe- 
cially the astringent ones, may be concealed by giving them with 
a drachm [4. c.c] of glycerin, which acts by its viscosity and by 
reducing some of the ferric to a ferrous salt. It is often added 
to the tincture of the chloride. The scale preparations hardly 
ever disagree ; they are therefore used for patients with a delicate 
digestion, and for such it is much better to make no attempt to 



THE SALTS OF IRON. 205 

rapidly increase the dose, but to depend on small doses spread 
over a long period. Mineral waters containing iron (such as 
those of La Bourboule and Levico) or the red wines may be given 
in such cases. Flitwick water, however, contains a good deal 
[of iron]. Often iron and quinine citrate is prescribed as a pill ; 
powdered tragacanth and syrup form the best excipient. Treat- 
ment of anaemia by iron leads, of course, to the improvement 
of the numerous symptoms, such as amenorrhcea, constipation, 
dyspepsia, etc., which are dependent upon the anaemia. That 
form of neuralgia which is associated with anaemia usually yields 
to iron. Easton's syrup {see p. 194) is a very popular prepara- 
tion ; it is used for anaemia, and to promote the health and ap- 
petite during convalescence after long illness. A pill very sim- 
ilar to the syrup, and containing iron phosphate, 1 gr. [.06 gm.] ; 
quinine, 1 gr. [.06 gm.] ; strychnine, -£% gr. [.002 gm.] ; con- 
centrated phosphoric acid 1^ m. [.10 c.c] ; liquorice powder 
to 5 gr. [.30 gm.] is prepared. It is called Easton's pill or 
Pilula Trium Phosphatum. A similar [tablet] is in the market. 
[Ferrous iodide] has been given, sometimes apparently with suc- 
cess, in cases of rheumatoid arthritis, but it must be continued 
thrice daily for many months. A pill is often preferable to the 
syrup, as that so readily changes. Two grains [.12 gm.] may 
be made into a pill in the same way as that advised for the [yel- 
low] mercurous iodide, and one or two such pills be given thrice 
a day. Large doses of iron (10, [.60 c.c] or even 20 minims, 
[1.20 c.c] of the tincture of the chloride every hour or%wo) 
have been given in diphtheria and other forms of bad sore throat, 
such as hospital sore throat, apparently with considerable benefit. 
Erysipelas has been treated in the same way. Fever due to other 
causes is said to contra-indicate the use of iron. 

Kidney. — Iron salts are reported to have a feeble diuretic 
action, but this is doubtful. The chloride is often given empiri- 
cally for all forms of Bright' s disease. Whether it does good is 
at present undecided. 

[Iron should always be administered when the stomach is full 
(after meals) excepting when given for follicular tonsillitis, 
diphtheria, erysipelas, gastric haemorrhage or arsenical poison- 



206 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

ing.] Occasionally a patient is found who cannot take iron in 
any form, because of the headache and indigestion caused by it. 

The different preparations of Iron. — These have already been classified 
into astringent and non-astringent. There are some, viz., the iodide, the 
phosphate, the iron and quinine citrate, and [the iron and strychnine citrate], 
the value of which depends in part at least upon their other ingredients. The 
arsenate must be given in such small doses to avoid arsenical poisoning that 
it is probable that the iron in it has no effect. Hence arsenous acid may just as 
well be given, and this is commonly done. [Ferric] phosphate, which always 
contains some free phosphoric acid, is an excellent haematinic. It is used 
largely for children, because the syrup of it is very pleasant in taste, and also 
because it was formerly believed that the phosphoric acid would aid the growth 
of bones, especially in cases of rickets. Parrish's food, known also as Squire's 
chemical food, and Dusart's syrup both have for their chief ingredient ferric 
phosphate; the dose of each is ^ to 2 fl. dr. ; [2. to 8. c.c. ] [Ferrous] 
iodide has been introduced for cases in which we wish to gain the benefit of 
both elements, but the proportion of iron to iodine is small (1 to 9). It is 
especially liable to damage the teeth. The iron and quinine citrate combine 
the virtues of both iron and quinine. It is a favorite, mild preparation for 
slight cases of anaemia, but must not be prescribed with alkalies, as they pre- 
cipitate the quinine. [Ferratin (not official) is claimed to be the characteristic 
iron compound of the liver. It is an acid albuminate, prepared artificially, and 
is used in dose from \)/ z gr. ; .10 gm. to 8 gr. ; .50 gm. No evidence ex- 
perimental or clinical, has as yet been brought forward, which, outside of 
theoretical reasoning, makes the superiority of this over the older iron com- 
pounds probable, (Wood). Since it is practically tasteless it is easily admin- 
istered. Practically all of the albuminates and peptonates to be found in the 
shops are worthless as haematinics. ] 



II. MANGANUM. 

Mn.[= 54 .8.] 

1. [MANGANI D I OXIDUM.— Manganese Dioxide. Mn0 2 =86.72. 

Synonym. — Black Manganese Oxide. 

SOURCE. — Native crude Manganese Dioxide containing at least 66 per cent, 
of the pure Dioxide. 

Characters. — A heavy, grayish -black, more or less gritty powder. Solu- 
bility. — Insoluble in water or Alcohol. 

Manganese Dioxide is used for making Chlorine, Corrosive Mercuric 
Chloride and Potassium Permanganate. 

Dose, 2 to 10 gr. ; .12 to .60 gm. 



the salts of manganese. 20/ 

Uses of Manganese Dioxide. 

It has been used empirically as an emmenagogue and is prob- 
ably the most certain of all when administered in maximum dose. 

2. MANGANI SULPHAS. -Manganese Sulphate. MnSC\+4H 2 
=222.46. Synonym. — Manganous Sulphate. 

Source. — By heating the Dioxide with sufficiently strong Sulphuric Acid, 
evaporation and crystallization. 

Characters.— Colorless, or pale, rose-colored, transparent tetragonal 
prisms, having a slightly bitter and astringent taste. Solubility. — In 0.8 part 
of water ; insoluble in Alcohol. 

Impurities. — Zinc, copper, iron and alkalies. 

Dose, 2 to 8 gr. ; .12 to .50 gm. 

Uses of Manganese Sulphate. 

It has been used as a cholagogue purgative, but on account 
of its irritating properties it is a very unsafe remedy.] 

3. POTASSII PERMANGANAS.— Potassium Permanganate. KMn 
OT=i 57 .6 7 . 

Source. — Caustic Potash, Potassium Chlorate and Manganese Dioxide 
are heated together. 6KOH-j-KC10 3 +3Mn0 2 =3K 2 Mn0 4 +KCl-f- 3H 2 0. 
Potassium Manganate is boiled with water till the color changes to purple and 
the Permanganate is formed. 3K 2 Mn0 4 +2H 2 0=2KMn0 4 +4KOH-f-Mn0 2 . 
The liquid is neutralized with Carbon Dioxide and evaporated. 

Characters. — Slender monoclinic prisms of a dark purple color, almost 
opaque by transmitted, and of a blue, metallic lustre by reflected light, and 
having a taste at first sweet, but afterwards disagreeable and astringent.] 
Solubility. — In 16 parts of water ; a grain [.06 gm. ] gives a fine purple color 
to a gallon of water [3775. c.c.]. 

Incompatibles. — It is very readily deoxidized in the presence of organic 
matter. It is usually given as a pill or a tabella, and should be made up with 
kaolin or paraffin, or an explosion will very likely take place. 

Impurities. — Potassium carbonate and manganese dioxide. 

Dose, y z to 2 gr. ; [.03 to .12 gm.] 

Action of Potassium Permanganate. 

External. — In a solid form it is a mild caustic, and is, when 
kept dry, a permanent salt. Its most important action is that 
when moist it rapidly gives up its oxygen in the presence of 
organic bodies, and its solutions therefore quickly turn dark 



208 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

brown, manganese dioxide being formed. The power possessed 
by its solution of giving up oxygen makes it a disinfectant, 
deodorant, and antiseptic, especially as much of the oxygen 
is in the form of ozone. But its action as a germicide is very 
limited, for it so readily gives up its oxygen to the organic sub- 
stances in which the micro organisms nourish that it very soon 
becomes inert. 

Internal. — Potassium permanganate, when taken internally, 
must be quickly decomposed. Manganese salts are only ab- 
sorbed from the intestine in extremely minute quantities. When 
they are injected into the blood they are excreted in the urine 
and into the intestine. Probably they have no important action 
after absorption. Formerly it was thought that they could re- 
place iron in the body, but this is not so. The red corpuscles 
do not take up manganese. 

Therapeutics of Potassium Permanganate. 

External. — Although potassium permanganate is not of much 
practical use as a germicide, it is commonly employed as a 
deodorant [i to 150] for drains, bed-pans, to wash utensils, and 
to wash the hands ; for the last purpose it is suitable as being 
non-irritant. [The hands should be washed in a saturated solu- 
tion of the permanganate, which stains them a dark purple, and 
immediately decolorized with a saturated solution of oxalic acid.] 
It has one advantage, namely, that it is easy by its change in 
color to see when it has lost its efficacy. Condy's red fluid con- 
sists of 8 gr. [.50 gm.] of potassium permanganate to the fluid 
ounce [30. c.c] of distilled water. It is expensive for purposes 
requiring a large quantity. It stains fabrics. The stain may be 
gotten out by applying sulphurous acid, but the fabric must be 
immediately rinsed in water, [else] sulphuric acid is formed. 

Internal. — The liquor of potassium permanganate [B. P., 
1 in 100 of distilled water] , considerably diluted, can be used 
as a mouth wash or gargle in foul conditions of the mouth, or 
as an injection in cases of foul discharges, such as may occur 
with gonorrhoea, vaginitis, uterine disease or ozaena. Some have 
considered that potassium permanganate is beneficial for the same 



THE SALTS OF MERCURY. 20O, 

cases of anaemia as iron, but it probably has no effect. Others 
praise its power in amenorrhoea. It should be always given as 
a pill, for the taste of solutions of it is very [disagreeable. For 
amenorrhcea the black oxide is preferable. (See p. 206. ) If 
manganese is of any use in anaemia, which has not yet been 
proven, it probably acts in the same way as iron. The iron- 
manganese preparations so much lauded, owe their efficiency, 
if they possess any, to the iron which they contain in varying 
amounts. Potassium permanganate] oxidizes morphine and is 
therefore an antidote to morphine poisoning. [About two 
grains in solution should be given for each grain (estimated) of 
morphine swallowed, and the stomach should be immediately 
and repeatedly washed out with repetitions of the antidote] . 



GROUP VI. 

[Aurum,] Hydrargyrum. 

1. [AURUM. 

Au=i96.7. 

AURI ET SODII CHLORIDUM.— Gold and Sodium Chloride. 
A mixture composed of equal parts by weight of dry Gold Chloride ( AuCl 3 ^= 
302.81) and Sodium Chloride (NaCl=58.37). 

Characters. — An orange-yellow powder, odorless, having a saline and 
metallic taste, and a slightly acid reaction. Solubility. — Very soluble in 
water, and at least one-half is soluble in Alcohol. 

Dose, Jjtoi gr. ; .002 to .006 gm. 

Action of Gold and Sodium Chloride. 
In small doses gold and sodium chloride is supposed to pro- 
mote appetite and digestion, to stimulate the functions of the 
brain and to be an aphrodisiac. Full doses cause nausea and 
vomiting, and finally impair nutrition. The toxic symptoms 
resemble those of poisoning by corrosive mercuric chloride. 

Therapeutics of Gold and Sodium Chloride. 
It is useful in irritative dyspepsia, gastro -duodenal catarrh, 
hypochondriasis, chronic ovarian irritation and ovaritis, in 

14 



2IO INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

chronic albuminuria, hepatic sclerosis, and granular kidney, as it 
prevents hyperplasia of connective tissue. It is a valuable rem- 
edy in the tertiary manifestations of syphilis, especially of the 
bones, and presents fewer disadvantages than does the corrosive 
mercuric chloride.] 

II. HYDRARGYRUM. 

Hg[=i 99 .8. 

1. HYDRARGYRUM.— Mercury. [Synonym.— Quicksilver.] 
Source. — Cinnabar, the native Sulphide, is roasted or distilled with 

Lime ; [the volatile Mercury is condensed in suitable aludels. 

Characters. — A shining, silver-white metal, easily divisible into small 
globules. Sp. gr. 13.5584.] 

Impurity. — Lead, tin, and other metals. 

Preparations. 

1. Hydrargyrum cum Creta. — [Mercury with Chalk. Syno- 
nym. — Gray powder. 

By trituration of Mercury, 38; Prepared Chalk, 57; Clarified 
honey, 10; with sufficient water to 100. By keeping, the Mercury is 
liable to become Mercuric Oxide, which makes the powder more ac- 
tive. Strength. — 38 per cent, of Mercury. 

Dose, )/ z to 10 gr. ; .03 to .60 gm. 

2. Emplastrum Hydrargyri. — Mercurial Plaster. Mercury, 
300; Oleate of Mercury, 12; Lead Plaster to 1000. Strength. — 30 
per cent, of Mercury. ] 

3. Emplastrum Ammoniaci cum Hydrargyro. — [Ammoniac 
Plaster with Mercury. Mercury, 180; Oleate of Mercury, 8; an 
evaporated solution of Ammoniac. 720 ; in diluted Acetic Acid, 1 000 ; 
and Lead Plaster a sufficient quantity to 1000. Strength. — 18 per 
cent, of Mercury. 

4. Massa Hydrargyri. — Mass of Mercury. Synonyms. — Blue 
Mass. Blue Pill. Pilula Hydrargyri. Mercury, ^ ; Honey of Rose, 
34 ; Glycyrrhiza, 5 ; Althaea, 25 ; Glycerin, 3. Strength. — ^ per 
cent, of Mercury. 

Dose, y 2 to 15 gr. ; .03 to 1.00 gm.] 

5. Unguentum Hydrargyri. — [Mercurial Ointment. Synonym. 
— Blue Ointment. Mercury, 500 ; Lard, 250 ; Suet, 230 ; Oleate 
of Mercury, 20. — Strength. — 50 per cent, of Mercury.] 

2. HYDRARGYRI OXIDUM RUBRUM.— [Red Mercuric Oxide. 
HgO=2i5.76. Synonym, — Red Precipitate. 



THE SALTS OF MERCURY. 211 

Source. — Dissolve Mercury in diluted Nitric Acid. 3Hg-j-8HN0 3 = 
3Hg(N0 3 ) 2 -f2NO-f-4H 2 0. Evaporate to dryness. Triturate the Mercuric 
Nitrate thus formed, with Mercury, and heat. 2Hg(N0 3 ) 2 -f Hg 2 =4HgO-f- 
2N 2 4 . 

Characters. — Heavy orange-red, crystalline scales, or a crystalline pow- 
der ; having a somewhat metallic taste. Solubility. — Almost insoluble in 
water. ] 

Impurities. — Red lead, brick dust, and mercuric nitrate. 

Dose, % to i gr. ; [.015 to .06 gm.] 

Preparation. 
Unguentum Hydrargyri Oxidi Rubri. — [Ointment of Red Mer- 
curic Oxide. Synonym. — Red Precipitate Ointment. Red Mercuric 
Oxide, 10; Castor Oil, 5 ; Ointment, 85.] 

3. HYDRARGYRI OXIDUM FLAVUM. — [Yellow Mercuric 
Oxide. HgO=2i5.76.] 

Source. — Precipitate a solution of Corrosive Mercuric Chloride, 1000 ; 
with Soda, 40. [HgCl 2 +2NaOH=HgO+2NaCl+H 2 0. 

Characters. — A light orange-yellow, amorphous, heavy, impalpable 
powder, having a somewhat metallic taste.] Not given internally. It is con- 
tained in Lotio Hydrargyri Flava [B. P. — Corrosive Mercuric Chloride, I ; 
Lime Water, 240]. It has the same composition as the Red Oxide, but is 
more crystalline. 

Preparations. 

1. Unguentum Hydrargyri Oxidi Flavi. — [Ointment of Yellow 
Mercuric Oxide. Yellow Mercuric Oxide, 10; Ointment, 90. 

2. Oleatum Hydrargyri. — Oleate of Mercury. Yellow Mercuric 
Oxide, 200 ; Oleic Acid, 800.] 

Oleate of Mercury is contained in Unguentum Hydrargyri, Em- 
plastrum Hydrargyri and Emplastrum Ammoniaci cum Hydrargyro. 

4. HYDRARGYRI [CHLORIDUM CORROSIVUM.— Corrosive 

Mercuric Chloride. HgCl 2 =27o.54.] Synonyms. — Corrosive Sublimate. 
Mercuric Bichloride. Corrosive Chloride of Mercury. 

Source. — Heat a mixture of Mercuric Sulphate, Sodium Chloride, and 
Manganese Dioxide. HgSO i -j-2NaCl+Mn0 2 =HgCl 2 +Na 2 S0 4 +Mn0 2 . The 
[Corrosive] Chloride sublimes and is condensed. The object of the Man- 
ganese Dioxide is to prevent the formation of Mercurous Chloride by setting 
free Chlorine, which will convert it into Mercuric Chloride. 

Characters. — Heavy, colorless [rhombic crystals, or crystalline masses, 
having an acrid and persistent metallic taste.] Solubility. — In [16 parts of 
water ; in 3 parts of Alcohol. ] 

Incompatibles. — Alkalies and their carbonates, potassium iodide, lime 



212 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

water, tartar emetic, silver nitrate, lead acetate, albumin, soaps, vegetable 
preparations containing tannic acid, and in fact most substances. 
Dose, ¥ L to j\ gr. ; [.ooi to .006 gm.] 

5. HYDRARGYRI [CHLORIDUM MITE. — Mild Mercurous 
Chloride. Hg 2 Cl 2 =470. 34. ] Synonyms. — Calomel. Mild Chloride of Mer- 
cury. Subchloride of Mercury. 

Source. — Rub Mercury with Mercuric Sulphate to form Mercurous Sul- 
phate, Hg 2 S0 4 . Add Sodium Chloride, and then heat, the Calomel sublimes, 
Hg 2 S0 4 +2NaCl=Hg 2 Cl 2 +Na 2 S0 4 . 

Characters. — [A white, impalpable powder without odor or taste. 

Impurity. — Corrosive] Mercuric Chloride. 

Dose, y 2 to 10 gr. ; [.03 to .60 gm.] 

Preparations . 

1. Pilulse Catharticae Compositse. — [Compound Cathartic Pills. 
Mild Mercurous Chloride, 60 ; Compound Extract of Colocynth, 80 ; 
Extract of Jalap, 30 ; Gamboge, 15 gm., to make 1000 pills.] 

Dose, 1 to 3 pills. 

2. Pilulse Antimonii Compositse. — [Compound Pills of Anti- 
mony. Synonym. — Plummer's Pills. Mild Mercurous Chloride, 4; 
Sulphurated Antimony, 4 ; Guaiac, 8 gm. ; Castor Oil, a sufficient 
quantity to make 100 pills. 

Dose, 1 to 3 pills.] 

6. HYDRARGYRI IODIDUM RUBRUM.— [Red Mercuric Iodide. 
Hgl 2 =452.86. Synonyms. — Mercury Biniodide. Red Iodide of Mercury. 

Source. — Mix hot solutions of Corrosive Mercuric Chloride and Potas- 
sium Iodide. Filter and dry the precipitated Red Iodide. HgCl 2 -j-2KI= 
Hgl 2 +2KC1. 

Characters. — A scarlet-red, amorphous powder. Solubility. — Almost 
insoluble in water, but freely soluble in a solution of Potassium Iodide.] 

Impurities. — The same as of the Corrosive Chloride. 

Dose, g 1 ^ to y 1 ^ gr. ; [.001 to .006 gm.] 

Preparation. 

Liquor Arseni et Hydrargyri Iodidi. — [Solution of Arsenic and 
Mercuric Iodide. Synonym. — Donovan's Solution. Dissolve Arsenic 
Iodide, 10 ; and Red Mercuric Iodide, 10 ; in distilled water, 1000. 

Characters. — A clear, pale-yellowish liquid, having a disagree- 
able, metallic taste.] Strength. — 1 per cent, of each Iodide. 

Dose, 1 to 10 m. ; [.06 to .60 ex.] 

7. [HYDRARGYRI IODIDUM FLAVUM.— Hg 2 I 2 =652.66. Yel- 
low Mercurous Iodide. Synonyms. — Mercury Protiodide. Yellow or Green 
Mercury Iodide. 



THE SALTS OF MERCURY. 21 3 

Source. — By pouring a solution of Potassium Iodide, 24; in distilled 
water, 1000 ; into a solution of Mercurous Nitrate, 40 ; in Nitric Acid, 10 ; 
and distilled water, 1 000. The precipitate is washed and dried. The Mer- 
curous Nitrate is obtained from Mercury treated by a solution of Nitric Acid 
in distilled water, by nitration. Hg 2 (NO g ) 2 +2KI=Hg 2 L r f-2KN0 3 . 

Characters. — A bright yellow amorphous powder, odorless and taste- 
less. Solubility. — Almost insoluble in water, and wholly insoluble in Alcohol 
and Ether. 

Dose, 1 to 1 gr. ; .01 to .06 gm.] 

8. LIQUOR HYDRARGYRI NITRATIS.— [Solution of Mercuric 
Nitrate. A liquid containing about 60 per cent, of Mercuric Nitrate. 
Hg(N0 3 ) 2 =323.58, together with about 11 per cent, of free Nitric Acid. 

Source. — Dissolve Red Mercuric Oxide, 40 ; in Nitric Acid, 45 ; with dis- 
tilled water, 15, and heat. 

Characters. — A clear, nearly heavy, colorless liquid, having a faint odor 
of Nitric Acid. Sp. gr. about 2.100.] 

Impurity. — Mercurous Nitrate. 

9. UNGUENTUM HYDRARGYRI NITRATIS.— [Ointment of 
Mercuric Nitrate. Synonym. — Citrine Ointment. 

Source. — Mix a hot solution of Mercury, 70 ; in Nitric Acid, 175 ; with 
Lard Oil, 760.] 

Characters. — A lemon -yellow ointment. 

10. HYDRARGYRUM AMMONIATUM.— Ammoniated Mercury. 
NH 2 HgCl[=25i.i8.] Synonyms. — White Precipitate. [Mercuric Ammonio- 
Chloride.] 

Source. — Mix solutions of Ammonia, 100 ; and Corrosive Mercuric 
Chloride, 100. HgCl 2 +2NH 4 OH=NH 2 HgCl+NH 4 Cl+2H 2 0. Filter and 
wash the precipitated Ammoniated Mercury. 

Characters. — [White, pulverulent pieces, or a white, amorphous powder, 
having an earthy, afterwards styptic and metallic taste. Solubility. — Almost 
insoluble in water or Alcohol.] 

Impurities. — The same as of the [Corrosive] Chloride. 

Preparation. 

Unguentum Hydrargyri Ammoniati. — Ointment of Ammoni- 
ated Mercury. Synonym. — White Precipitate Ointment. [Ammoni- 
ated Mercury, 10 ; Benzoinated Lard, 90. 

11. [HYDRARGYRI CYAN IDUM.— Mercuric Cyanide. Hg(CN) 2 
=251.76. 

Source. — By boiling pure Potassium Ferrocyanide with Mercuric Sulphate 
in water, and recrystallization from diluted Alcohol. 7HgS0 4 -|-2K 4 Fe 

(CN) 6 =Hg+6Hg(CN) 2 +4K 2 S0 4 +Fe 2 (S0 4 ) 3 . 



214 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Characters. — Colorless or white prismatic crystals, odorless, having a bit- 
ter, metallic taste. Solubility. — In 12.8 parts of water and 15 parts of Alcohol. 
Dose, J„ to T L gr. ; .00 1 to .006 gm. 

12. HYDRARGYRI SUBSULPHAS FLAVUS.- Yellow Mer- 
curic Subsulphate. Hg(HgO) 2 SO i =727.4. Synonyms. — Turpeth Mineral. 
Basic Mercuric Sulphate. 

Source. — By solution of Mercury, 100 ; Sulphuric Acid, 30 ; Nitric Acid, 
25 ; water, a sufficient quantity ; decantation, drying of the residue. 

Characters. — A heavy, lemon-yellow powder, odorless and almost taste- 
less. Solubility. — In about 2000 parts of water; insoluble in Alcohol. 

Dose, 2 to 4 gr. ; .12 to .24 gm. as an emetic] 

Action of Mercury and its Salts. 

External. — [Corrosive mercuric chloride] is one of the 
most powerful and important antiseptics with which we are 
acquainted. In 1870 it was discovered that 1 part in 6000 
would kill infusoria and spermatozoa. Now it is known to be a 
universal germicide. The published results of experiments with 
it vary very much, because the duration of the action, the sol- 
vent, and the micro-organism experimented upon, are not always 
the same. Evans found that anthrax spores were destroyed by 
[corrosive mercuric chloride] solutions of 1 in 1000 acting for a 
quarter of an hour, and 1 in 3000 acting for one hour. The 
bacilli themselves were destroyed by solutions of 1 in 15,000 
acting for one minute, and 1 in 25,000 acting for half an hour. 
A solution of 1 in 70,000 prevented the growth of the spores, 
and one of 1 in 500,000 prevented the growth of the bacilli. A 
reference to carbolic acid will show how much more powerful 
corrosive mercuric chloride is. A solution of 1 in 1000 is very 
commonly employed for many disinfecting purposes. If albu- 
min be present in the fluid to be disinfected, an albuminate of 
mercury is formed, and the antiseptic value of the fluid is de- 
stroyed. This change may be prevented by the addition of 5 
parts of either hydrochloric, [citric] or tartaric acid to 1 of 
[corrosive mercuric chloride] . The [red mercuric iodide] is 
also a powerful antiseptic. Metallic instruments cannot be dis- 
infected with the [corrosive chloride] for mercury deposited on 
them. 



THE SALTS OF MERCURY. 2l£ 

Most mercurials, especially the oleate, oxide, ammoniate, 
nitrate and [corrosive chloride], will destroy the animal and 
vegetable parasites that infest the skin ; they are, therefore, 
anti-parasitic. Also, most of them will occasionally relieve 
itching, even when no cause is to be found. 

The mercurial preparations, especially the red [mercuric] 
iodide and the acid solution of the nitrate, are powerful irritants. 
The latter is strongly caustic. Mercurous salts are slightly irri- 
tant and stimulating ; calomel is sometimes applied to sores for 
this property. 

Metallic mercury and its salts are absorbed by the skin, 
especially when rubbed in either as an oleate or an ointment. 
These preparations are also taken up, although to a less degree, 
if simply applied to the skin, for minute particles of mercury or 
its salts pass into the hair follicles and sebaceous follicles, from 
which they are absorbed as an oxide or a chloride. All the 
symptoms of mercurial poisoning can be produced if the drug 
is absorbed through the skin. The vapor can be absorbed 
through the mucous membrane of the lungs, and mercury com- 
pounds are so volatile that when they are applied to the skin 
some usually enter the blood by the lungs. 

Internal. — Although the different salts of mercury have dif- 
ferent external actions, after absorption their actions are, in 
most respects, similar. The long-continued use of excessive 
doses of mercurials produces well-marked and important symp- 
toms (see Toxicology). The actions for which mercurials are 
used in medicine are the following : 

Stomach and intestines. — The metal mercury itself and mer- 
curous compounds, being mildly irritant in their action, are 
often used as purgatives ; but the mercuric compounds given 
in the same doses produce severe gastro- intestinal irritation. 
The action is chiefly on the duodenum and upper part of the 
jejunum ; the precise mode of irritation is unknown, but it is 
certain that, in consequence of the administration of the- mer- 
curial, the contents of the duodenum are hurried along before 
there is time for the bile to be reabsorbed, and hence the motions 
are very dark-colored. There is probably some, but not an ex- 



2l6 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

cessively increased secretion from the intestinal walls, for the 
motions, although large and loose, are not watery. As the ac- 
tion of the mercurial is chiefly on the upper part of the intestine, 
it is greatly assisted by giving a saline purge a few hours after it, 
for this will act more on the lower part of the bowel. The con- 
tents are passed along so quickly, that it is doubtful whether 
there is time for much mercury to be absorbed if a purgative 
dose of it has been given. Calomel and the metallic prepara- 
tions are the two forms most used as purgatives. The former is 
the more powerful. 

Whatever compound of mercury is taken by the mouth, it, in 
the stomach, becomes a complex albuminate containing mercury, 
sodium, chlorine, and albumin. This compound, in the presence 
of the sodium chloride in the stomach, can exist in solution 
there. Precisely what happens to it in the duodenum is doubt- 
ful ; but it is quite certain that if the dose is insufficient to cause 
purgation some mercury is absorbed, the rest passing out of the 
bowel as a sulphide. 

Liver. — It was formerly taught that calomel increased the 
amount of bile formed by the liver. This is now known to be 
an error, but [corrosive mercuric chloride] increases it, and pos- 
sibly, occasionally when calomel is administered, some of it is 
converted into the [corrosive] chloride. Large doses of calomel 
are said to slightly diminish the secretion of bile. Calomel and, 
to a less extent, preparations of metallic mercury are, however, 
called indirect cholagogues, because they, in the manner 
already explained, aid the excretion of bile. The stools are 
[spinach-] green and contain calomel, mercuric sulphide, and 
unaltered bile. 

Blood. — After absorption the mercurial compound formed in 
the stomach and intestines probably becomes oxidized, and cir- 
culates as an oxyalbuminate. Minute, long-continued doses of 
mercury slightly increase the richness of the blood in red cor- 
puscles, and in animals may add a little to the weight of the 
body. Large doses produce anaemia. Mercury checks the 
emigration of white corpuscles, and this perhaps explains its 
antiphlogistic action. 



THE SALTS OF MERCURY. 21/ 

Remote effects. — Mercury is excreted by the saliva, bile, urine, 
sweat, [faeces,] and milk. In small doses no effects can be at- 
tributed to this, but in large doses mercury irritates the salivary 
glands and is a powerful sialogogue. By itself it is a feeble 
diuretic, but it sometimes powerfully aids other diuretics. It is 
eliminated very slowly, and hence accumulates in the body. 

Therapeutics of Mercury and its Salts. 

External. — Antiseptic action. — Solutions of the [corrosive] 
chloride are very largely employed. A strength of i in iooo is 
used for washing the hands, for washing the parts to be operated 
upon, for soaking towels, lint, sponges, etc., used in operations, 
for washing infected articles, infected rooms, furniture, linen, 
etc. For wounds and cavities (as the uterus), the strength for a 
single washing should not exceed i in 2000, [and weaker solu- 
tions are preferable] ; for continual irrigation 1 in 10,000. Corro- 
sive sublimate [tablets], tinted blue, made so that one dissolved in 
a pint of water makes a solution of 1 to 500, are a convenient form 
in which to carry the antiseptic. Corrosive sublimate solutions 
should always be tinted blue to render them easy to recognize. 
[The mixed mercury and zinc cyanide as suggested by Lister is 
unirritating. It is said to have but slight germicidal value, but 
its inhibitory power is so great that a solution of 1 to 1200 will 
permanently prevent putrefaction in animal fluids. Cyanide 
gauze may be made actively germicidal by impregnation with a 
solution of 1 to 4000 of corrosive mercuric chloride.] 

Antiparasitic action. — White precipitate ointment, diluted 
[mercuric] nitrate ointment, and a wash of [corrosive] chloride 
are very useful for destroying lice on the head ; and these three, 
especially the last, are excellent for destroying the fungus in 
ringworm and favus. The oleate of mercury is useful for destroy- 
ing that in pityriasis versicolor ; if the skin is easily irritated the 
ointment of it should be used. Mercurials should not be applied 
over so large an area that there is a risk of poisoning from ab- 
sorption. 

Irritant action. — The acid solution of the nitrate is used to 
destroy warts, condylomata, etc. ; no doubt much of its caustic 



21 8 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

action is due to the free nitric acid it contains. Milder prepara- 
tions, such as the ointment of [mercuric] nitrate, or of red 
[mercuric] oxide, if diluted, may be used for tinea tarsi ; and 
the same ointments are very beneficial to any ulcer or sore that 
requires a stimulant, whether or not it be syphilitic. [In 
ophthalmic practice the ointment of yellow mercuric oxide, 
known as Pagenstecher's ointment or ophthalmic salve, is largely 
employed.] When a milder preparation is required, calomel is 
often dusted on the part ; and black wash [Lotio Hydrargyri 
Nigra, B. P. — Calomel, i ; glycerin, 8; mucilage of tragacanth, 
20 ; lime water, to 160 ;] is very commonly used, especially for 
syphilitic sores and condylomata. [This reaction may be used 
to determine whether the corrosive mercuric chloride with which 
gauze has been impregnated has partially changed into the mild 
chloride. If a black color appears upon application of lime 
water, calomel is present.] 

Itching. — Black wash, yellow wash [Lotio Hydrargyri Flava] 
{see p. 211), or Unguentum Hydrargyri may be employed to 
relieve the itching of skin diseases, such as [pruritus] senilis and 
urticaria, if they are not too extensive. A very favorite oint- 
ment for many skin diseases is composed of equal parts of diluted 
mercuric nitrate, zinc oxide and lead acetate ointments {see p. 
178). 

Absorbe?it action. — All mercurial ointments and the oleate, 
when applied to or gently rubbed into any part which is chroni- 
cally inflamed, often aid the absorption of the products of inflam- 
mation, if they are not too deep-seated. For this purpose blue 
ointment, or Scott's ointment [Unguentum Hydrargyri Compos- 
itum, B. P., which consists of mercurial ointment, 10; yellow 
wax, 6 ; olive oil, 6 ; and camphor 3,] or the oleate [in an] oint- 
ment are very commonly used for chronic inflammation of joints, 
chronically enlarged glands, and chronic peritonitis, which cer- 
tainly sometimes appears to be cured by the application of a 
binder spread with one of these preparations or the Linimentum 
Hydrargyri [B. P., which consists of equal parts of mercurial 
ointment, solution of ammonia and camphor liniment] even 
when the disease is tuberculous. The ointment of the red [mer- 



THE SALTS OF MERCURY. 2ig 

curie] iodide is, in India, applied to the thyroid gland in 
goitre. 

Internal. — Alimentary canal. — Very dilute solutions of 
the [corrosive] chloride (4 gr. [.24 gm.] to 10 fl. oz. [300. 
c.c] water with 1 fl. dr. [4. c.c] of diluted hydrochloric acid 
and a little glycerin may be used as a mouth wash for syphilitic 
ulceration. Ringer advises gray powder [Hydrargyrum cum 
Creta] in minute doses for the sudden vomiting immediately 
after food sometimes met with in children. By far the most 
important intestinal action of mercury is its purgative effect. 
Calomel and blue pill are pre-eminently the purgatives to employ 
when there is, from the headache, constipation, furred tongue, 
feeling of weight over the liver, and general lassitude, reason to 
suspect that the dyspepsia is hepatic. Either of these drugs at 
night, followed by a watery purge, in the morning, will often 
completely relieve the symptoms. The blue pill at night, and 
black draught (Infusum Sennas Compositum) in the morning 
have long been a favorite combination. [Acid solutions, as 
lemonade, should not be taken until the purgative effects of cal- 
omel have passed.] Mercury or calomel is also one of the best 
purgatives for cases of cirrhosis, and for cardiac cases in which 
there is considerable hepatic congestion. Gray powder mixed 
with a little sugar is an excellent purgative for children, or even 
for adults, when a very mild purge is required — as, for example, 
after severe enteritis or peritonitis. [Calomel in small doses 
( T x o gr. ; .006 gm.), triturated thoroughly with sugar of milk 
and repeated every hour until a movement is secured, is a favor- 
ite gentle purgative] or if it is desirable to open the bowels dur- 
ing typhoid fever. Children take mercury very well. Infants 
can easily bear grain [.06 gm.] doses of the gray powder. As 
diarrhoea, especially in children, is so often due to the presence 
of some irritant, a simple purgative, as gray powder, will, by re- 
moving it, often cure the diarrhoea. This preparation hardly 
ever causes griping, but calomel is liable to do so. Mercury 
compounds are, on account of their intestinal antiseptic action, 
much given in Germany for typhoid fever. 

Re?note uses. — In cases of heart disease mercury is often com- 



220 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

bined with digitalis and squill as a diuretic (as in the well-known 
Guy's diuretic pill : blue pill, powdered squill, powdered digi- 
talis, of each i gr. [.06 gm.] ; extract of hyoscyamus, 1^ gr, 
[.10 gm.] ), and in some cases this combination does great good. 
The [corrosive] chloride is most often used for adults, and the 
gray powder for children. 

Syphilis. — Mercury in any form is powerfully antisyphilitic. 
This action is so important that it makes mercury one of the most 
valuable drugs we have. It has already been mentioned that it 
may be applied locally to syphilitic ulcerations, but to be of any 
use it is essential that it should also be administered so as to reach 
the blood. It is a direct antidote to the syphilitic virus ; it can 
completely cure the patient ; its use must be continued over a 
long time, but it should never be pushed to salivation. Treat- 
ment should be begun at as early a stage as possible, [as soon as 
the diagnosis is established.] It is especially valuable in the pri- 
mary and secondary stages ; authorities differ as to its value in 
tertiary syphilis. It is as efficacious for the congenital as for the 
acquired disease. It is also administered for many non-syphilitic 
varieties of chronic inflammation, but not so often as formerly. 
Patients with disease of the kidneys do not bear it well. The 
[yellow] iodide is very commonly prescribed for syphilis, and 
often succeeds when other preparations have failed. Its great 
disadvantage is in its instability. Mercurous tannate (dose, 1 
to 2 gr. [.06 to .12 gm.] in a pill) is strongly recommended by 
some authorities. 

[Mercurol (not official) is a chemical combination of nucleinic 
acid and mercury, the former being obtained from yeast. It is 
a brownish-white powder, soluble in water but insoluble in alco- 
hol. It is employed in a 2 per cent, solution as an injection in 
gonorrhoea. This apparently destroys the gonococci, lessens 
the severity of the inflammation, and tends to prevent the de- 
velopment of complications. It does not entirely stop the dis- 
charge in all cases.] 

13. SAL ALEMBROTH.— [Not official.] Ammonio-Mercuric Chlor- 
ide. A double Mercury and Ammonium Chloride. 



THE SALTS OF MERCURY. 221 

Source. — Mix 271 parts of [Corrosive Mercuric Chloride] with 107 of 
Ammonium Chloride, both in solution, and evaporate. 

Characters. — Flattened rhombic prisms, freely soluble in water or gly- 
cerin. It contains one molecule of [Corrosive Mercuric Chloride] combined 
with two of Ammonium Chloride. Three grains [.20 gm.] of Sal Alembroth 
contain two grains [.12 gm. of Corrosive Mercuric Chloride]. It is a very 
powerful antiseptic, but does not combine with albumin so readily as [Corro- 
sive Mercuric Chloride], and is therefore less irritating. 

[Uses of Sal Alembroth.] 

Sal alembroth gauze (containing 1 per cent.) and sal alem- 
broth wool (2 per cent. ), both tinted with aniline blue, which is 
bleached by the discharge, so that it is easy to see if it has soaked 
through, are much used to dress wounds antiseptically. 

Sal alembroth injections {f/i gr. ; [.02 gm.] in 10 minims, 
[.60 c.c] ; of water) are a convenient non -irritating form in which 
to use mercury subcutaneously in syphilis. [The precautions 
mentioned below should be observed.] 

14. MERCURO-ZINC CYANIDE.— (Not official.) This consists 
of one molecule of Mercuric Cyanide combined with four molecules of Zinc 
Cyanide. 

Characters. — A white powder. 

Uses of Mercuro-Zinc Cyanide. 
Mercuro-zinc cyanide gauze and wool, each containing 3 per 
cent, of the salt, and each tinted pink, are much used in anti- 
septic surgery, as the salt is unirritating. It is also used as an 
ointment. 

Modes of administration of mercurials. — ( 1) By the mouth. — The 
Liquor Hydrargyri Perchloridi [B. P. which is corrosive mercuric chloride, I ; 
ammonium chloride, 1 ; water, 1 000] is often given to adults, usually in 
doses of I to 2 fl. dr. [4. to 8. c.c] For the later symptoms of syphilis, po- 
tassium iodide is often combined with it. [Mercuric] iodide is formed and is 
kept in solution by the excess of potassium iodide. Mercurous iodide, known 
as the [yellow] iodide, is much used by some. It is insoluble in water, and 
is incompatible with potassium iodide, red [mercuric] iodide and metallic mer- 
cury being formed. The best preparation for children is yi to I gr. [.03 to 
.06 gm.] of gray powder, given just often enough to avoid purgation. 

(2) By the rectum. — Occasionally mercury is given as a suppository. 
[Each may contain 5 gr. ; .30 gm. of mercurial ointment.] 



222 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

(3) Endermically. — Mercurials, especially calomel, are often dusted on 
sores and ulcers, and lotions are also locally applied. Mercury can be ab- 
sorbed in this way. 

(4) By inunction. — Blue ointment may be rubbed into the skin. The 
best position is the inner side of the thigh. Usually a piece the size of the 
top of the thumb, rubbed in once a day, is enough. It has been put inside 
the sock, for then it is rubbed into the foot during walking. A very efficient 
way of applying the ointment in children is to smear it on a flannel binder 
which is worn round the abdomen. [The oleate may be employed for inunc- 
tion ; this possesses the advantage of not staining the clothing.] Mercury is 
rapidly absorbed by these means. 

(5) Hypodermatically. — One-eighth of a grain [.008 gm.] or less of 
the [Corrosive] Chloride dissolved in about 5 to 8 minims [.30 to .50 c.c] of 
distilled water is used for a dose. The needle of a hypodermatic syringe is 
plunged deeply into some muscles, preferably those of the gluteal region, and 
to the outer side of it, so that the patient does not sit or lie on the spot. If 
much pain is caused, a piece of ice may be held over the part before the injec- 
tion and after the needle is withdrawn. The injection should be repeated 
daily ; before going to bed is a good time. With proper care no abscesses 
result. This is a very rapid and thorough way of bringing the patient under 
the influence of mercury. Mercuric cyanide is also a good salt for subcu- 
taneous injection. 

(6) Fumigation. — Calomel, [the black oxide, or the red mercuric sul- 
phide known as Cinnabar (neither of the last two are official), may be] used. 
The patient, who is naked, sits on a cane-bottomed chair ; a blanket, which 
reaches to the floor, is fastened lightly round his neck. Twenty grains [1.20 
gm. of the salt] are placed in a porcelain dish, over a spirit lamp, under the 
chair. [The mercury] volatilizes, and is absorbed by the skin. A bath 
should last twenty minutes ; with obvious modifications this method may be 
applied to patients in bed. 

(7) Inhalation. — This is rarely or never used. 

(8) Baths of three drachms [12. gm.] of [corrosive] chloride to thirty 
gallons [114 liters] of water, with one fluid drachm [4. c.c] of hydrochloric 
acid added, have been used, but they are now very rarely employed. 

Toxicology. 

Acute poisoning is [not] rare. Salts of mercury, especially the mer- 
curic, produce severe gastro-intestinal irritation, causing great pain, vomiting 
and diarrhoea. The corrosive [chloride] and white precipitate are the prepa- 
rations usually taken. [In case of acute poisoning albumin, the white of an 
egg (one being sufficient for 4. gr. ; .24 gm. of the corrosive chloride, the 
albuminate re-dissolving in an excess), milk and flour are useful. Vomiting 
should be induced by mustard and lukewarm water, apomorphine or by irrita- 
tion of the fauces.] 



THE SALTS OF ARSENIC. 223 

Chronic Poisoning. — Ptyalism by mercury or its salts produces a train of 
remarkable symptoms. They were very common when it was the practice to 
give larger doses of mercurials than are now employed, and they are occasion- 
ally seen in those who work in mercury. In the present day, when the patient 
shows any sign of mercurialism, the dose is reduced. The symptoms (which 
constitute hydrargyrism or mercurialism) may be brought about however 
the mercury is taken. The first indications noticed are slight fcetor of the 
breath and soreness of the gums when the teeth are [brought forcibly together, 
by closure of the jaws.] Then follows a disagreeable metallic taste in the 
mouth, the gums become swollen and soft, and they bleed readily. Next 
there is a considerable increase in the amount of saliva secreted. All these 
symptoms gradually become more marked, and the tongue swells. The teeth 
are now loose, the saliva, which is thick and viscid, pours from the mouth, the 
parotid and salivary glands are enlarged and tender, and there is a slight rise 
of temperature. In olden days the symptoms occasionally ended in the falling 
out of the teeth, extensive ulceration of the mouth and tongue, necrosis of the 
jaw, great weakness, emaciation, anaemia, a watery state of the blood, a lia- 
bility to haemorrhages, exhaustion and death. 

More rarely the symptoms are, for the most part, nervous. These occur, 
chiefly, if not entirely, among those who work in the metal and inhale the 
vapor. The first to be observed is tremor, beginning in the face, then invading 
the arm, and afterwards the legs. Early in the case the trembling is seen only 
on movement ; soon it is permanent. It resembles paralysis agitans. Usually 
there is considerable weakness of the affected muscles ("mercurial palsy"). 
There may be pains, and a weak mental condition is common. Nothing has 
been found, post-mortem, to account for these symptoms. 



GROUP VII. 



Arsenic, Antimony, Chromium. 

The compounds of these metals have several physiological and some 
chemical points in common. The oxide of each is externally a powerful 
caustic. Internally Arsenic, Antimony, and (as far as we know) Chromium 
compounds are severe gastro-intestinal irritants. Arsenic and Antimony in 
large doses both cause general fatty degeneration. 

I. ARSENUM. 

As=[74-9.] 
I. ACIDUM ARSENOSUM.— [Arsenous Acid. As 2 3 =i97.68. 
Synonyms. — Arsenic Trioxide. White Arsenic] 

Source. — Arsenical ores are roasted and purified by sublimation. 
Characters. — [A heavy, solid, occurring either as an opaque, white 



224 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDIC A. 

powder, or in irregular masses of two varieties — the one amorphous, trans- 
parent and colorless, the other, crystalline, opaque or white. Solubility. — In 
30 to 80 parts of cold, in 1 5 parts of boiling water. ] 

INCOMPATIBLES. — Lime water, iron salts, and magnesia. 

Impurities. — Lime salts. 

Dose, ¥ V to T V gr. ; [.001 to .006 gm.] 

Preparations. 

1. Liquor [Potassii Arsenitis.— Solution of Potassium Arsenite. 
Synony?n. — Fowler's solution. Arsenous Acid, 10 ; Potassium Bicar- 
bonate, 20 ; Compound Tincture -of Lavender, 30. Boil in sufficient 
distilled water to make 1000.] No decomposition occurs, but an alka- 
line solution of arsenous acid is formed. Strength. — 1 percent, of 
Arsenous Acid. 

Dose, 2 to 10 m. ; [.12 to .60 c.c] 

2. Liquor [Acidi Arsenosi. — Solution of Arsenous Acid. Arse- 
nous Acid, 10 ; is boiled with diluted Hydrochloric Acid, 50 ; and dis- 
tilled water to make 1000.] No decomposition occurs, but an acid 
solution of arsenous acid is formed. Strength. — 1 per cent, of Arse- 
nous Acid. 

Dose, 5 to 10 m. ; [.30 to .60 c.c] 

2. SODII ARSENAS.— Sodium Arsenate. Na 2 HAs0 4 +7H 2 0[= 
311.46. 

Source. — Heat to redness Arsenous Acid, Sodium Nitrate, and Sodium 
Carbonate ; dissolve the fused mass in water and crystallize. Sodium Pyro- 
arsenate is formed. As 2 3 +2NaN0 3 +Na 2 C0 3 =Na i As 2 7 +N 2 3 +C0 2 . On 
adding water to the Pyroarsenate, a solution of Sodium Arsenate, which crys- 
tallizes on standing, is formed. Na i As 2 7 -[-H 2 0— 2Na 2 HAs0 4 , which crys- 
tallizes with 7H 2 0. 

Characters. — Colorless, transparent, monoclinic prisms, having a mild 
alkaline taste. Solubility. — In 4 parts of water.] 

Dose, 3^ to jL gr. ; [.002 to .006 gm.] 

Preparation. 

Liquor Sodii Arsenatis. — [Solution of Sodium Arsenate. Syn- 
onym. — Pearson's solution. (Pearson's solution is really one-fifth as 
strong as the official Liquor Sodii Arsenatis. ) 

Source. — Dissolve Sodium Arsenate, I ; deprived of its water of 
crystallization by heat, in distilled water, 100.] Strength. — I per cent, 
of Sodium Arsenate. 

Dose, 1 to 10 m. ; [.06 to .60 c.c] 

3. ARSENI IODIDUM.— [Arsenic Iodide. Asl 3 =454.49.] 
Source. — Made by the direct union of Iodine and Metallic Arsenic [or 

by mixing solutions of Arsenous and Hydriodic Acids and evaporating. 



THE SALTS OF ARSENIC. 22 [> 

Characters. — Glossy orange-red, crystalline masses, or shining orange- 
red, crystalline scales, having an Iodine-like odor or taste. Solubility. — In 7 
parts of water, and in 30 parts of Alcohol.] 

Dose, 3L to yiy gr. ; [.002 to .006 gm.] 

Preparation. 
Liquor Arseni et Hydrargyri Iodidi. See Mercury, p. 212. 
4. FERRI ARSENAS. See Iron, p. 196. 

Action of Arsenical Compounds. 

External. — Arsenous acid has no action on the skin, but 
applied to raw surfaces it is a powerful caustic. 

Internal. — Alimentary canal. — Unless the dose be very small 
all preparations containing arsenic are very severe gastrointes- 
tinal irritants {see Toxicology). Part at least of this effect is 
due to excretion of the arsenic into the stomach after absorption, 
for if given subcutaneously there may be no local effect, although 
there is intense gastritis soon after injection. In minute doses 
they are gastric stimulants, causing dilatation of the gastric ves- 
sels and an increased flow of gastric juice. Small doses also 
stimulate the duodenum. 

Blood. — Arsenic is absorbed into the blood. Nothing is 
known of its physiological action there ; but it can, in some forms 
of anaemia, increase the haemoglobin and the number of red cor- 
puscles. Given to animals it considerably increases the red mar- 
row at the expense of the yellow, and slightly stimulates the for- 
mation of compact bone. 

Circulatio?i. — In the frog the rapidity and force of the heart 
are lessened till it finally stops. This is a local action, for it 
takes place when applied to the excised heart. Large doses 
destroy the capillaries and lead to haemorrhage. 

Remote effects. — In many diseases arsenic evidently profoundly 
affects metabolism, for the patient recovers under treatment by 
this drug. It is doubtful whether, if given in small doses to 
healthy persons, it usually does more than sharpen the appetite. 
It has been stated by Dogiel to unite with albumin ; another 
view, that of Binz and Schulz, is that arsenous acid becomes 
arsenic acid by taking oxygen from the protoplasm, but that the 



22 6 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

arsenic acid subsequently yields up the oxygen again, and that 
the activity of arsenic is due to its being a carrier of oxygen. 
Some of the people in Styria eat white arsenic in small quanti- 
ties, and it increases their strength, weight, and appetite, and 
clears their complexion. It is probable that the reason why 
these people can take arsenic in such quantities is that an anti- 
toxin is developed in them. Wood concludes that small doses 
of arsenic check tissue change and decrease nitrogenous elimina- 
tion, whilst toxic doses have the opposite effect. But there is 
no proof of any of these statements, and we have no certain 
knowledge of the influence of arsenic on nutrition, nor do we 
know of any action to which its beneficial effects in many dis- 
eases can be referred ; but as the drug certainly in some way 
alters the condition of the sufferer it is vaguely called an altera- 
tive. It is eliminated by the urine, the alimentary canal, the 
sweat, the saliva, the milk, and even the tears, but it is also 
stored in the body, chiefly in the liver and kidneys. It may be 
found many years after death in the bodies of those who have 
taken it during life. It can pass from the mother to the foetus. 

Therapeutics of Arsenical Compounds. 

External. — Formerly arsenous acid was used as a caustic to 
destroy growths, lupus, warts, etc., either pure or as a paste. 
[Marsden's paste consists of arsenous acid, i ; powdered acacia, 
2 parts.] Arsenous acid, i ; charcoal, i ; red [mercuric] sul- 
phide, 4 parts ; and water, [sufficient to make a paste,] is a 
formula once very popular. It must be used strong enough to 
make the mass of dead tissue slough out quickly, or else the 
patient becomes poisoned, for the arsenic is rapidly absorbed. 
Arsenous acid, i ; calomel, 8 ; vermilion antimony [sulphide, 8 
parts ;] make a caustic powder. Liquor [potassii arsenitis] has 
been recommended by Ringer as an application for corns. 

Internal. — Alimentary canal. — Arsenous acid is useful to 
destroy the tooth pulps before [filling] teeth. 

In some forms of dyspepsia small doses of Liquor Potassii 
Arsenitis are occasionally given to stimulate the appetite. Arsenic 
is so liable to cause sickness, diarrhoea, and other symptoms of 



THE SALTS OF ARSENIC. 227 

poisoning, that it is a rule always to begin a course of it with 
small doses, say 3 or 4 minims [.20 to .25 c.c.] of Liquor 
[Potassii Arsenitis,] or ^ to ¥ l gr. [.001 to .0015 gm.] of 
arsenous acid as a pill, and to gradually increase the quantity. 
Arsenic in any form should always be taken immediately after 
meals, so as to dilute it by the contents of a full stomach. 
Children bear it well ; old people do not. Very small doses 
sometimes check vomiting, especially that form in which the 
food simply regurgitates, and in exceptional cases it may suc- 
ceed in checking diarrhoea when other drugs have failed. 
. Remote effects. — Arsenic is of great value in chronic super- 
ficial skin diseases not owing their cause to an irritant. It is, 
therefore, largely used for psoriasis, pemphigus, and sometimes 
for chronic eczema. It is of no use in the acute stages of these 
maladies, nor if cutaneous inflammation is deep-seated. 

Cases of anaemia which cannot be cured by iron, and which 
fall under the heading of primary anaemia, may be occasionally 
much improved by arsenic. Such are pernicious anaemia, splenic 
leucocythaemia, and Hodgkin's disease ; but often no drug is of 
any avail. In other forms of anaemia, such as chlorosis, arsenic 
may be tried, but not often with benefit, when iron compounds 
disagree. It often improves the metabolism, the appetite, and 
the weight in those whose general health is feeble. Arsenic is, 
next to quinine, the best antiperiodic we have ; but it is not 
nearly so efficacious. It may, however, in the absence of qui- 
nine, be used for ague, and is especially valuable for the anaemia 
which follows ague, and for neuralgia due to the same cause. It 
often does distinct good in rheumatoid arthritis if given for a 
long while. It is frequently prescribed for chorea, [particularly 
in rapid increasing doses] ; but it is difficult to prove that the 
[patients] get well more quickly than they would without any 
drug. Arsenic has been strongly recommended in asthma and 
in hay fever. For asthma it may be given by the mouth, or 
smoked as cigarettes, made by saturating bibulous paper in a 
solution of fifteen grains [1. gm.] of [potassium] arsenite to an 
ounce [30. c.c] of water. It has been given in phthisis, but 
without benefit. [There appears to be good evidence that arsenic 



228 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

in large doses restrains the growth of sarcomata, particularly of 
the fusiform-cell variety.] The springs of Levico and La Bour- 
boule contain arsenous acid. Strong Levico contains -^ gr. 
[.005 gm.] of arsenous acid and 30 gr. [2. gm.] to the pint 
[480. c.c.]. Weak Levico T i^ gr. [.0005 gm.] and 8 gr. [0.5 
gm.] respectively. La Bourboule contains -^ gr. [.005 gm.] 
of arsenous acid and a trace of iron to the pint [480. c.c.]. 
These waters should always be drunk at meals. 

[Cacodylic acid (AsO(OH)0(CH 3 ) 2 , (not official), and so- 
dium cacodylate (AsONa(CH 3 ) 2 , (not official) have recently 
been proposed as eligible methods for the administration of ar- 
senic. The former contains 58 per cent, of arsenic. Their 
solubility, relatively small toxicity and the diminished local irri- 
tation which they produce are advantages to be borne in mind. 
The best form of administration is as sodium cacodylate given 
hypodermatically in daily amount of from ^ to 2% gr. ; .05 to 
.15 gm., in solution. By this method the arsenic is fully effi- 
cacious, no alliaceous odor is given to the breath or perspiration, 
and gastric and intestinal disturbances do not supervene. Pro- 
longed use may set up albuminuria. By the rectum it produces 
less irritation and the odor of garlic is not so pronounced as after 
the use of Fowler's solution. This method is preferable in the 
treatment of tuberculosis, diabetes, Basedow's disease and 

leukaemia.] 

Toxicology. 

Acute Poisoning. — [Arsenous acid] is frequently used as a poison. 
[The forms most employed are Scheele's and Paris Green (cupric arsenite), 
and Schweinfurth' s Green (a compound of cupric arsenite and arsenate). 
Symptoms.] — Soon after taking it the sufferer experiences faintness, nausea, 
sickness, epigastric pain and tenderness. These symptoms quickly increase. 
The vomit is brown, and often streaked with blood ; the pain is very severe ; 
there is profuse diarrhoea, with much tenesmus ; and there are cramps in the 
calves of the legs. The vomiting becomes violent and incessant ; there is a 
burning sensation in the throat, with intense thirst. Soon severe symptoms set 
in ; the skin is cold, the pulse small and feeble, and the patient dies [in col- 
lapse]. The symptoms frequently bear a close resemblance to those of cholera. 
Post-morte?n. — The stomach is intensely inflamed, even if the arsenic has not 
been taken by the mouth, but has been applied in large quantities to cancerous 
growths. This shows that arsenic is excreted from the blood into the stomach. 
The small intestines are also acutely inflamed. 



THE SALTS OF ARSENIC. 



229 



Treatment. — Wash out the stomach. Give emetics [see p. 139), choosing 
the least irritating and least depressing. The stomach must be completely 
emptied. Give unlimited quantities of freshly prepared humid [ferric hydrate] 
(see p. 193) or dialyzed iron. If neither of these is handy, give magnesia in 
large amounts, or large doses of castor oil and water. Give brandy or ether 
subcutaneously ; apply hot blankets and bottles to the feet and the abdomen. 

Chronic Poisoning. — Often, when arsenic is taken as a medicine, slight 
symptoms of poisoning are seen. They are loss of appetite, nausea, perhaps 
vomiting, slight abdominal pain, and mild diarrhoea. The eyelids become a 
little puffy, the conjunctivae injected, the eyes and nose water, and there is 
slight headache. These symptoms, of course, show that the dose given is too 
large, and that it must be decreased. 

Arsenic is so often used in the manufacture of all sorts of articles, espec- 
ially wall papers and fabrics, that chronic poisoning by it is frequently seen. 
[The evidence in regard to chronic poisoning from occupancy of rooms deco- 
rated with arsenical wall paper is somewhat contradictory, but the facts point 
towards its probability. Quite as often the poisoning is due to the arsenic 
which is a contamination of aniline dyes as it is the arsenical pigments, so that 
the color should not be depended upon, but rather a chemical examination.] It 
is also met with in workers of arsenic, and in persons to whom it has been 
given with intent to murder. The symptoms produced are those already men- 
tioned as present when large doses of arsenic are taken medicinally. 

Long-continued use of arsenic may induce peripheral neuritis ; the chief 
symptoms of arsenical neuritis are herpes zoster, paralysis of the muscles of the 
limbs, especially the extensors of the hands and feet, ataxic gait, severe darting 
pains in the limbs, and rapid muscular atrophy. Several cases are recorded in 
which arsenic has caused general brown pigmentation of the skin. It may 
also give rise to brown pigmentation of patches of psoriasis, and in quite ex- 
ceptional cases cause eczema or urticaria. After death from chronic poisoning, 
in addition to the gastro-intestinal and nervous lesions, there is widespread 
fatty degeneration of most of the organs of the body. It is well seen in the 
liver, kidneys, stomach and muscles, including the heart. 

Repeated doses given to animals abolish the glycogenic function of the 
liver, so that puncture of the floor of the fourth ventricle no longer causes gly- 
cosuria. In frogs poisoned with arsenic the epidermis peels off very easily. 
This is due to degeneration of its lower cells, the degeneration proceeding 
from the lowest layer outwards. 

[The tests for arsenic are so simple that every physician should be able 
to make use of them. They are: (1) Reinsch's. — Hydrochloric acid and a 
clean slip of copper are boiled in the suspected liquid. Bluish spots indicate 
the poison. (2) Marsh's. — Diluted sulphuric acid and zinc are introduced 
into a flask with the suspected liquid. The gas issuing from the tube is 
ignited and the flame allowed to impinge upon a clean porcelain plate forming 
a steel- white mirror if arsenic be present ; or the delivery tube may be heated 
when the mirror will be deposited upon it. This mirror is distinguished from 



23O INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

that produced by antimony by its solubility in potassium hypochlorite if arsenic 
is the cause. ] 

II. ANTIMONIUM. 
Sb. [=119.6.] 

1. ANTIMONII [SULPHIDUM.— Antimony Sulphide. Sb 2 S 3 = 
335.14. Synonym. — Antimony Trisulphide. 

Source. — Native Antimony Sulphide purified by fusion, as free from 
Arsenic as is possible. 

Characters. —Steel-gray masses of a metallic lustre and a striated crys- 
talline fracture, forming a black or grayish-black, lustreless powder without 
odor or taste. Solubility. — Insoluble in water or Alcohol. 

Preparations. 

1. Antimonii Sulphidum Purificatum. — Purified Antimony 
Sulphide. Sb 2 S 3 =335. 14. Synonym. — Purified Black Antimony. 

Source. — Antimony Sulphide, 100; purified by Ammonia Water, 
50 ; decanted and dried. 

Characters. — A heavy, grayish- black, lustreless powder, without 
odor or taste. 

Impurity.— Silica. ] 

2. Antimonium Sulphuratum. — Sulphurated Antimony. [Chiefly 
Antimony Sulphide (Sb 2 S 3 ) and with a small amount of Antimony 
Oxide (Sb 2 3 ). Synonym. — Kermes mineral. 

Source. — Boiled Purified Antimony Sulphide, 100 ; and Solution 
of Soda, 1200. Sb 2 S 3 +4NaOH=:NaSb0 2 +Na 3 SbS 3 . Precipitate 
with Sulphuric Acid, wash and dry. NaSb0 2 -j-Na 3 SbS 3 -j-2H 2 S0 4 
=Sb 2 S 3 -f2Na 2 S0 4 +2H 2 0. 

Characters. — An amorphous reddish-white powder, becoming 
lighter in color on exposure to light. Solubility. — Insoluble in water 
or Alcohol.] 

Sulphurated Antimony is contained in Pilulae Antimonii Com- 
positae. See Mercury, p. 212. 

Dose, |to 1 gr. ; [.01 to .06 gm.] 

2. ANTIMONII OXIDUM.— [Antimony Oxide. Sb 2 3 =287.o7. 
Synonym. — Antimony Trioxide.] 

Source. — Pour a solution of Antimony Chloride into water. Antimony 
Oxychloride is precipitated. SbCl 3 -)-H 2 0=SbOCl- T -2HCl. The precipi- 
tate is treated with Sodium Carbonate, washed, and dried. 2SbOCl-|-Na 2 C0 3 
=Sb 2 3 +2NaCl-fC0 2 . 

Characters. — [A heavy grayish-white powder, without odor or taste.] 

Impurities. — Higher oxides. 

Dose, 1 to 4 gr. ; [.06 to .24 gm.] 



THE SALTS OF ANTIMONY. 23 I 

Preparation. 
Pulvis Antimonialis. — [Antimonial Powder. Synonym. — James' 
Powder. Antimony Oxide, ^ ; Precipitated Calcium Phosphate, 67. 
Dose, 3 to 15 gr. ; .20 to 1.00 gm.] 

3. [ANTIMONII ET POTASSII TARTRAS.— Antimony and 
Potassium Tartrate. 2K(SbO)C i H 4 6 -|-H 2 0=662.42. Synonyms. — Tartar 
Emetic. Tartrated Antimony. 

Source. — Make a paste of Antimony Trioxide (Sb 2 3 ) with Acid Potas- 
sium Tartrate and water. Let it stand twenty-four hours, boil in water, and 
crystallize. 2KHC 4 H 4 6 -fSb 2 3 =2K(SbO)C 4 H 4 6 -fH 2 0. 

Characters. — Colorless, transparent crystals of the rhombic system, be- 
coming opaque and white on exposure to air ; or a white granular powder, 
having a sweet, afterwards disagreeable metallic taste. Solubility. — In 17 
parts of water ; insoluble in Alcohol]. 

Incompatibles. — Gallic and tannic acids, most astringent infusions, alka- 
lies, and lead salts. 

Impurity. — Acid Potassium Tartrate. 

Dose, T L to % gr. [.006 to .03 gm.] (diaphoretic), ^ to 1 gr. [.03 to 
.06 gm.] (cardiac depressant), 1 to 2 gr. [.06 to .12 gm.] (emetic). 

Preparations. 

1. Vinum Antimonii. — [Wine of Antimony. Antimony and 
Potassium Tartrate, 4 ; boiling distilled water, 65 ; Alcohol, 1 50; White 
Wine to 1000. 

Dose, 5 to 60 m. ; .30 to 4.00 c.c. 

2. Syrupus Scillae Compositus. — Compound Syrup of Squill. 
Synvnym. — Hive Syrup, so called from hives, the old name of croup. 
Fluid extract of Squill, 80 ; Fluid extract of Senega, 80 ; Antimony and 
Potassium Tartrate, 2 ; Sugar, 750 ; Precipitated Calcium Phosphate, 
10 ; water to 1 000. 

Dose, 5 to 30 m. ; .30 to 2.00 c.c] 

Action of Salts of Antimony. 

External. — Antimonial compounds are powerful external 
irritants. [The Liquor Antimonii Chloridi of the B. P., which 
is a solution of antimony chloride in hydrochloric acid is a 
severe caustic] Tartar emetic produces a pustular eruption 
at the point of application. 

Internal. — Alimentary canal. — All compounds of antimony 
are powerful irritants, internally as well as externally ; the 
action of tartar emetic is best known. The first result of 



232 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

swallowing this is vomiting. The early acts of vomiting are 
due to the direct action of the drug on the wall of the stomach, 
but it is quickly absorbed, and by its action on the medulla it 
also produces sickness, but this action is slight. It will produce 
vomiting when injected into the blood, partly by its action on 
the medulla — for it will act if the stomach is replaced by a blad- 
der — but also because some of it is excreted into the stomach 
and intestines, and thus the vomiting is continued for some time. 
In large doses tartar emetic is irritant to the intestine. [A 
round mass of metallic antimony was formerly known as the 
"family pill," because it could be repeatedly used as a laxative.] 

Heart. — Antimony acts upon man as upon the lower animals. 
It is a powerful cardiac depressant, diminishing both the 
frequency and the force of the beat of the heart. Experiments 
on animals have shown that the final stoppage takes place in 
diastole, and that the chief action of antimony is that of a direct 
depressant to the cardiac muscle itself. Of course, the cardiac 
depression causes the arterial pressure to fall ; but part of this 
effect is due to a coincident action upon some portion of the 
vaso-motor system ; the probability being that antimony, by 
paralyzing the muscular coat of the arteries, relaxes them. 

Respiration. — Respiration is depressed, the movements be- 
come weaker, and inspiration is shortened, but expiration is 
prolonged. Finally, the pauses become very long and the move- 
ments very irregular. The cause of this is not known ; probably 
it is very complex. 

Nervous and muscular systems. — Here also antimony acts as a 
powerful depressant, especially to the spinal cord, and to a 
less extent to the brain ; hence moderate doses cause a feeling of 
languor, inaptitude for mental exertion, and sleepiness. Experi- 
ments on animals show that, after the administration of large 
doses of antimony, reflex movement is soon lost, and that this is 
due to a depressing effect on the sensory part of the spinal cord. 
This depressant influence is felt also in the muscles, and hence 
antimony will relieve spasm, but whether it does so by direct 
action on the muscles or by acting on the nervous system is 
doubtful. 



THE SALTS OF ANTIMONY. 233 

Temperature. — Moderate doses of antimony have little influ- 
ence on the temperature, but large doses cause a considerable 
fall, due, no doubt, in the main to the circulatory depression, 
but, also, it is said, to a direct action in decreasing the amount 
of heat produced. 

Excretion. — Antimony is excreted by the urine, bile, sweat, 
bronchial secretion, milk, and particularly by the faeces. We 
have seen that part of its emetic effect is due to its excretion into 
the stomach. As it passes out by the bronchial mucous membrane 
it increases the amount of secretion, and thus acts as an expec- 
torant. On the skin the action is that of a profuse diaphoretic. 
This is chiefly a secondary result of the depression of the circu- 
lation, but is possibly in part a direct local effect. In frogs the 
action on the skin is very like that of arsenic, but antimony 
softens rather than detaches the epidermis, which thus becomes 
a jelly-like mass. Being excreted in the bile, it aids its flow; 
therefore it is a cholagogue. 

In passing through the kidneys it may be slightly diuretic, 
but this depends upon the amount of perspiration produced by 
it. If its use is continued for some time it will cause, like arsenic, 
fatty degeneration, especially of the liver, and abolition of the 
hepatic glycogenic function. 

Therapeutics of Salts of Antimony. 

External. — [A solution of antimony chloride, known as 
Butter of Antimony, has been used as a caustic, but its employ- 
ment has been abandoned, as the sore produced is difficult to 
heal.] Many years ago an ointment of tartar emetic was com- 
monly applied as a counter-irritant, but it causes much pain, and 
is now seldom used. 

Internal. — Alimentary canal. — Tartar emetic is not to be 
recommended as an emetic, for the action is slow, and the general 
depression of emetic doses is great. For this reason it should 
never be given to produce purgation. The only cases in which 
it is permissible are those in which an emetic is required for 
laryngitis, bronchitis, or some other acute inflammatory condi- 
tion of the respiratory tract, for then its depressant action on the 



234 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

circulation may perhaps be beneficial, but usually ipecacuanha is 
preferable. 

Circulation. — Antimony was formerly largely employed, espe- 
cially in combination with aconite, to reduce the force and fre- 
quency of the pulse in all sorts of febrile conditions ; but this is 
now generally thought unnecessary. If it is to be used, it is 
especially indicated in respiratory affections ; for then its expec- 
torant effect may be valuable. 

Respiration. — It has been very much given for the early stage 
of acute bronchitis ; but certainly it should not be continued 
after a free secretion of bronchial mucus has been set up by it. 
After that it is, on account of its depressing influence, an unde- 
sirable expectorant. 

Nervous and muscular systems. — Its use as a sedative in de- 
lirium tremens is now abandoned, and the introduction of chlo- 
roform has made it unnecessary to employ tartar emetic to relax 
muscular spasm in hernial, dislocations, etc. 

Remote effects. — Occasionally it is given in fevers for its dia- 
phoretic influence and for its slight antipyretic action. Some- 
times it is ordered as a cholagogue ; but because of its powerful 
depressant action, it is less used as a medicine than formerly. 

Toxicology. 

Acute Poisoning. — The symptoms are very like those of arsenical poi- 
soning (see p. 228). Post-mortem. — The gastro-intestinal irritation is very 
similar, but it is not nearly so marked. 

Treatment. — Unless the vomiting is very free, apomorphine [hydro- 
chlorate] subcutaneously, or zinc sulphate by the mouth or the stomach pump, 
may be used. Also frequent doses of half a drachm [2. gm.] of tannic or 
gallic acid dissolved in water, strong tea or coffee, mucilaginous drinks, and 
stimulants subcutaneously. Hot water bottles and warm blankets may be 
necessary. 

Chronic Poisoning is not sufficiently common to call for notice here. 
[An instance of the use of antimony for homicidal purposes has recently been 
the subject of judicial inquiry.] 

III. CHROMIUM. 
Cr.[=52.o.] 
1. ACIDUM CHROMICUM.— Chromic Acid. Cr0 3 [=99.88. Syno- 
nyms. — Chromic Anhydride. Chromic Trioxide. 



THE SALTS OF CHROMIUM. 235 

Source. — Dissolve Potassium Dichromate in Sulphuric Acid and water, 
decant from the Acid Potassium Sulphate, heat with more Sulphuric Acid, cool 
and crystallize. K 2 Cr 2 7 -f2H 2 S0 4 =2Cr0 3 +2KHS0 4 +H 2 0. 

Characters. — Small needle shaped crystals, or rhombic prisms, of a 
dark purplish-red color and metallic lustre. Readily yields Oxygen, and 
will, therefore, easily explode, with either Glycerin, Ether, or Alcohol. Solu- 
bility. — Very soluble in water.] 

Action of Chromic Acid. 

External. — In consequence of its oxidizing power, chromic 
acid is a powerful deodorant and disinfectant. It coagulates 
albumin and oxidizes organic matter, and is therefore a powerful 
caustic. 

Internal. — None is known. 

Therapeutics of Chromic Acid. 

External. — [It is used generally in the strength of i per 
cent, to harden catgut and kangaroo tendon for surgical uses. A 
lotion of the same strength is used in Germany to toughen the 
feet of marching soldiers.] As a lotion, 1 to 40, or even 
stronger , chromic acid has been used for its disinfectant proper- 
ties to wash foul ulcers and sores, and also as a local application 
for ozaena, gonorrhoea, leucorrhcea, and bad ulcerations of the 
mouth, but a gargle should not be stronger than [1 to 480] . 
The Liquor [of the B. P., which is one part of chromic acid in 
3 of water,] is occasionally used as a caustic to destroy con- 
dylomata, etc. 

2. POTASSII BICHROMAS.— [Potassium Bichromate. K 2 C 2 7 = 
2 93-7§. Synonym. — Potassium Dichromate. 

Source. — Finely-ground Chrome-iron ore mixed with Potassium Carbon- 
ate is roasted in a reverberatory furnace, which causes the separation of all 
iron in the form of Ferric Oxide, and the production of Potassium Bichromate. 
Lime or chalk is added during the roasting to prevent fusion. 2FeOCr 2 3 -f- 
4K 2 C0 3 -j-40 2 =Fe 2 3 -f-4K 2 Cr0 4 -(-4C0 2 . After solution in water Sulphuric 
Acid is added, and the two salts are separated by crystallization. 2K 2 Cr0 4 -(- 
H 2 SO,=K 2 Cr 2 7 +K 2 S0 4 +H 2 0. 

Characters. — Large, orange-red, transparent, triclinic prisms or four- 
sided tables, odorless, and having a bitter, metallic taste. Solubility. — In 10 
parts of water ; insoluble in Alcohol.] 



236 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Incompatibles. — Owing to the ease with which it oxidizes it readily forms 
explosive compounds. It is here prescribed as a pill made up with kaolin. 
[Impurities. — Sulphates, chlorides and calcium. 
Dose, T L to 1 gr. ; .006 to .06 gm. 

Action of Potassium Bichromate. 

External. — It is an irritant caustic] Handling the salt may- 
produce eczema. 

Internal. — Occasionally solutions of it have been taken by 
mistake. Symptoms of very severe gastro-intestinal inflamma- 
tion with much collapse have followed. 

Therapeutics of Potassium Bichromate. 

External. — [It is used as a caustic for warts, venereal ulcers 
and mucous patches.] Its solution is caustic and antiseptic, but 
it is weaker than chromic acid. 

Internal. — [It has been recommended for the treatment of 
gastric catarrh and gastric ulcer in dose of from jV t0 i & r - > 
.005 to .01 gm., given thrice daily on an empty stomach, and 
is reputed to relieve nausea, vomiting and pain.] 

The remaining groups of the inorganic drugs are non-metallic. " 



GROUP VIII. 

Containing Phosphorus only. 

PHOSPHORUS. 

P. [=30. 96.] 

Source. — [Treat Bone Ash or Lime Phosphate with Sulphuric Acid and 
water, filter and evaporate. Ca 3 (P0 4 )+2H 2 S0 4 =CaH 4 (P0 4 ). r |-2CaS0 4 . 
Heat the Acid Calcium Phosphate thus formed, with Charcoal and sand. The 
heat fir^t forms Calcium Metaphosphate. CaH 4 (P0 4 ) 2 =Ca(P0 3 ) 2 -f 2H./J. 
This is acted on by the Charcoal and sand thus : 2Ca(P0 3 ) 2 -j-2Si0 2 -j-ioC 2 = 
2CaSi0 3 +ioCO+P 4 . 

Characters. — A translucent, nearly colorless solid of a waxy lustre, 
having, at ordinary temperatures, about the consistence of beeswax. By long 
keeping the surface becomes red, and occasionally black. It has a distinctive 
and disagreeable odor and taste (but should not be tasted except in a state of 



THE PREPARATIONS OF PHOSPHORUS. 237 

great dilution); when exposed to the air it emits white fumes, which are lumi- 
nous in the dark, and have an odor somewhat resembling garlic. On longer 
exposure to air it takes fire spontaneously. Heated with Hydrogen it becomes 
red, amorphous, non -poisonous Phosphorus. Solubility. — Sparingly in alco- 
hol, ether and chloroform ; freely in carbon disulphide ; insoluble in water. ] 
Dose, 3-Iq to ^L gr. ; [.0006 to .003 gm.] Never given alone. 

Preparations. 

1. Oleum Phosphoratum. — Phosphorated Oil. [Phosphorus, 
1 ; Expressed Oil of Almond, 90 ; (which must be heated to 250 F. ; 
121 C, and filtered to remove water and organic matter, which would 
otherwise oxidize the phosphorus), and Ether to 100. Strength. — 1 
per cent.] 

Dose, 1 to 5 m. ; [.06 to .30 c.c] 

2. Pilulae Phosphori. — [Pills of Phosphorus. Dissolve Phos- 
phorus, .06 ; Chloroform, 5 ; add Althaea, 6 ; and Acacia, 6 gm. ; with 
water, and Glycerin ; to make 100 pills.] Strength, — Each pill con- 
tains T ^-g- gr, [.0006 gm.] of Phosphorus. 

Dose, 1 to 5 pills. 

[3. Spiritus Phosphori. — Spirit of Phosphorus. Synonym. — 
Tincture of Phosphorus. Phosphorus, 1. 2 ; absolute Alcohol to 1000. 
Dissolve by heating upon a water-bath. 

Spirit of Phosphorus is tised to prepare Elixir Phosphori. 

Dose, 8 to 40 m. ; .50 to 2.50 c.c. 

4. Elixir Phosphori. — Elixir of Phosphorus. Spirit of Phos- 
phorus, 210 ; Oil of Anise, 2 ; Glycerin, 550 ; Aromatic Elixir to 1000. 
Dose, y z to iy 2 A. dr. ; 2. to 10. c.c] 

Action of Phosphorus. 
The action of minute doses of phosphorus is that in animals 
the spongy tissue in the long and short bones is thickened by 
the deposition of true bone of normal composition, and the 
compact tissue is rendered more dense. [It diminishes tissue 
waste, decreasing the elimination of urea and of carbon diox- 
ide. As it is found as a necessary element in the nervous system 
its action is that of a stimulant to its growth.] Phosphorus 
enters the blood as phosphorus, and probably acts as such, not 
as phosphoric acid. [The best known liquid preparation is 
Thompson's solution: phosphorus, 1; absolute alcohol, 300; 
glycerin, 720 ; and spirit of peppermint, 40 ; dose, 
dr. ; 1.20 to 4.00 c.c] See [also] Toxicc 



2 $8 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Therapeutics of Phosphorus. 

Phosphorus has been used in osteomalacia, in rickets, and in 
cases of ununited fracture. [Without doubt it promotes calcareous 
deposit in the healing of fractures. It is of value in the con- 
valescence from exhausting diseases, in nervous exhaustion, in 
neuralgia when dependent upon debility, in alcoholism, in sexual 
exhaustion and in various suppurative diseases.] 

Toxicology. 

Acute Poisoning. — Phosphorus is often taken or administered criminally, 
either as match-heads or vermin paste. 

[Symptoms.] — For the first few hours there are no effects, then the following 
symptoms of gastro intestinal irritation set in: Nausea, abdominal pain, and 
vomiting ; the vomited matters smell of phosphorus and are luminous, [if 
heated with sulphuric acid (Wood).] There is some general depression. 
Diarrhoea is rare. The patient may die in collapse, but far more frequently 
these symptoms all pass off, and he appears quite well. But after three or four 
days jaundice is noticed, and this soon becomes very [marked] ; there is now 
great prostration, the liver is enlarged, the abdomen distended, and he com- 
plains of intense thirst. [There is likely to be a garlicky odor to the breath. 
(Brunton, Semple).] Vomiting of altered blood and diarrhoea with bloody 
stools may be observed, but these two symptoms are not severe. The skin is 
cold, the pulse feeble and rapid. The urine is scanty, highly colored, albumin- 
ous, bile-stained, and perhaps bloody, and it may contain bile acids and crys- 
tals of leucin and tyrosin. [Sarcolactic acid found in the urine is diagnostic. 
(Wood).] Muscular twitchings occur, the patient becomes comatose and dies. 
Post-mortem. — Two results are very striking. (1.) Fatty degeneration (thus 
phosphorus resembles arsenic and antimony), affecting principally the liver, in 
which it is very marked ; and if the patient lives long enough, there may be 
a diminution in the size of the organ. Fatty degeneration is also found in the 
muscles, kidneys and gastro- intestinal tract. (2.) Haemorrhages are seen in 
many places, and ecchymoses are sometimes very abundant. If they occur in 
the gastric and intestinal mucous membranes, they may give rise to the errone- 
ous belief that evidences of acute gastro-intestinal irritation can be found at 
death. The symptoms of phosphorus poisoning in many respects resemble 
those of acute yellow atrophy of the liver. 

Treat??ient. — Thoroughly empty the stomach by a stomach pump, or by 
washing it out. [Formerly] copper sulphate [was given] as an emetic {see 
Copper, p. 180), three grains [.20 gm.] every few minutes till vomiting is in- 
duced, then every 1 5 minutes ; also half a drachm [2. c.c] of oil of turpen- 
half hour. A full dose of a saline purge may be administered, 
inhalations of oxygen have been used, which suggest that 



THE PREPARATIONS OF THE HYPOPHOSPHITES. 239 

hydrogen dioxide may be efficacious when given by the mouth.] No oils or 
fats should on any account be given. [Percy found that the old oil of turpen- 
tine, which contains oxygen, if administered soon after taking the poison and 
before it was absorbed, was an antidote (experiments upon dogs).] 

Chronic Poisoning. — This, which used to be seen in those who worked 
among phosphorus fumes, is now of great rarity. [This is because the red or 
non-poisonous phosphorus is generally employed in match factories.] The 
chief symptoms are those of gastro-intestinal irritation and necrosis of the jaw. 
This Stockman has shown to be due to the fact that the phosphorus fumes, 
when the gum is broken, gain access to the bone and lower its vitality, so that 
it easily becomes the seat of tuberculous disease. Sufferers from phosphorus 
necrosis often die from general tuberculosis. 

1. CALCII HYPOPHOSPHIS.— [Calcium Hypophosphite. Ca(P 
H 2 2 ) 2 =i6 9 .6 7 . 

Source. — Heat Phosphorus with Milk of Lime. Then pass Carbon 
Dioxide through the liquid to remove the excess of Lime. The Hypophosphite 
crystallizes out of the solution. 3Ca(OH) 2 -f4P 2 - r -6H 2 0=3Ca(PH 2 2 ) 2 +2PH 3 . 

Characters. — Colorless, transparent, monoclinic prisms or small lus- 
trous scales, or a white, crystalline powder, having a nauseous, bitter taste. 
Solubility. — In 6.8 parts of water ; insoluble in Alcohol.] 

Dose, 2 to 5 gr. ; [.12 to .30 gm.] 

2. SODII HYPOPHOSPHIS.— [Sodium Hypophosphite. NaPH 2 2 
-fH 2 0=io5.84.] 

Source. — Add Sodium Carbonate to a solution of Lime Hypophosphite 
and evaporate [the filtrate]. Ca(PH 2 2 ) 2 +Na 2 C0 3 =CaC0 3 +2NaPH 2 2 . 

Characters. — [Small, colorless, transparent, rectangular plates of a 
pearly lustre, or a white granular salt, with a bitterish- sweet, saline taste. 
Solubility. — In I part of water; in 30 parts of Alcohol.] 

Dose, 5 to 20 gr. ; [.30 to 1.20 gm.] 

3. [POTASSII HYPOPHOSPHIS.— Potassium Hypophosphite. 
KPH 2 2 =io3.qi. 

Source. — From double decomposition of Calcium Hypophosphite and 
Potassium Carbonate ; the Potassium Hypophosphite remains in solution. 
Ca( PH 2 2 ) 2 +K 2 C0 3 =CaC0 3 +2KPH 2 2 . 

Characters. — White, opaque, hexagonal plates, or crystalline masses, 
or a granular powder, having a pungent, saline taste. Solubility. — In 0.6 part 
of water, and in 7.3 parts of Alcohol. 

Dose, 5 to 20 gr. ; .30 to 1.20 gm. 

Preparations. 

1. Syrupus Hypophosphitum. — Syrup of the Hypophosphites. 
Calcium Hypophosphite, 45 ; Sodium Hypophosphite, 15 ; Potassium 



240 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDlCAr 

Hypophosphite, 15; diluted Hypophosphorous Acid, 2; Spirit of 
Lemon, 5 • sugar, 500 ; and sufficient water to make 1000. 
Dose, 1 to 2 fl. dr. ; 4. to 8. c.c. 

2. Syrupus Hypophosphitum cum Ferro. — Syrup of the Hypo- 
phosphites with Iron. 

Ferrous Lactate, 10 ; Potassium Citrate, 10 ; Syrup of the Hypo- 
phosphites, to 1000. 

Dose, 1 to 2 fl. dr. ; 4. to 8. c.c. 

4. FERRI HYPOPHOSPHIS.— Ferric Hypophosphite. Fe 2 (PH 2 
2 ) 6 =5°i.04. 

Source. — A solution of Sodium Hypophosphite is added to a solution of 
Ferric Chloride, the precipitate is washed and dried with moderate heat. 
6NaPH 2 2 +2FeCl ( p=Fe 2 (PH 2 2 ) 6 +6NaCl. 

Characters. — A white, or grayish-white powder, nearly tasteless. Solu- 
bility. — Only slightly soluble in water. 

Impurities. — All of the Hypophosphites are liable to be contaminated 
with the alkaline carbonates or to contain free alkali. They explode if heated. 

Dose, 2 to 10 gr. ; .12 to .60 gm. 

5. ZINCI PHOSPHIDUM.— Zinc Phosphide. Zn 3 P 2 =257.22. 
Source. — From vapor of Phosphorus in a current of dry Hydrogen over 

heated Zinc, after all atmospheric air is expelled. 

Characters. — A gritty powder of a dark-gray color, or crystalline 
fragments of a dark metallic lustre, and having a faint odor and taste of 
phosphorus. 

Dose, Jq to \ gr. ; .006 to .02 gm. 

6. ACIDUM HYPOPHOSPHOROSUM DILUTUM.— Diluted 

Hypophosphorous Acid. A liquid composed of about 10 per cent., by weight, 
of absolute Hypophosphorous Acid (HPH 2 2 =:65.88) and about 90 per cent, 
of water. 

Source. — Decompose Potassium Hypophosphite by Sulphuric Acid,' filter 
and evaporate to a syrupy consistence. 2KPH 2 2 -|-H 2 S0 4 =:K 2 S0 4 -|-2H 
PH 2 2 . 

Characters. — A colorless liquid, without odor, and having an acid 
taste. Sp. gr., about I.046. Solubility. — Miscible in all proportions, with 
water. 

Diluted Hypophosphorus Acid is used in Syrupus Hypophosphitum. ] 

Therapeutics of Ferric, Calcium, Sodium, and Potassium 
Hypophosphites. 

These drugs have been recommended for phthisis. Although 
in many cases there is no satisfactory evidence of their value [yet 



THE PREPARATIONS OF THE HYPOPHOSPHITES. 24I 

they are extensively used and are the basis of a large number of 
proprietary preparations. 

Following Churchill they should be of chemical purity, neu- 
tral in reaction ; the presence of free alkali or alkaline carbonates 
quickly giving rise to an atonic dyspepsia. The preparation, the 
syrup of the hypophosphites, is faulty in that each salt has a pecu- 
liar property, yet the final result being due to the hypophosphite, 
and its beneficial effect upon nutrition. In the early stages of 
phthisis (infiltration) the sodium salt should be administered and 
the sodium salt alone ; if excavation is present the calcium salt is 
indicated, and that alone, provided that it does not too suddenly 
check expectoration, when the sodium salt should be resumed. 

The potassium salt is a valuable expectorant in chronic bron- 
chitis ; but it has a very limited usefulness in phthisis. The hypo- 
phosphites, when administered intelligently, will improve nutri- 
tion and relieve some of the symptoms of phthisis. If adminis- 
tered in too large doses, or simultaneously with other remedies, as 
arsenic, stimulants, strychnine, or cod-liver oil, they are likely to 
produce headaches and dyspepsia, and fail to cause improvement. 
The objection to the syrup, U. S. P., namely, the use of the 
salts in combination, applies to nearly all of the proprietary pre- 
parations, most of which contain impure drugs, contain a low per- 
centage of hypophosphites, and are not scientific combinations. 
The syrup of the hypophosphites with iron is valuable as a 
reconstructive. Zinc phosphide is believed to have the same 
physiological and therapeutical effects as phosphorus. 

7. CALCII GLYCEROPHOSPHATES.— Calcium Glycerophosphate. 
(Not official.) 

Source. — Phosphoric Acid, 30; mixed with Glycerin, 36; is kept at a 
little above normal body temperature for six days, being shaken several times 
daily. On the seventh day it is cooled, its acidity is gradually and completely 
neutralized with Calcium Carbonate. After two days the solution is filtered,' 
and the salt precipitated by Alcohol. The precipitate is dissolved in cold 
water, the solution filtered and evaporated to dryness at a low temperature. 

Characters. — A white, crystalline powder. Solubility. — In 20 parts of 
water, almost insoluble in boiling water, and insoluble in Alcohol. 

Dose, 5 to 15 gr. ; .30 to 1.00 gm. 

8. SODII GLYCEROPHOSPHATE.— Sodium Glycerophosphate. 
(Not official.) 



242 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

SOURCE. — By a method similar to that given above, a Sodium being sub- 
stituted for a Calcium Salt. 

Characters. — A white, crystalline powder which is so hygroscopic that 
this salt appears in commerce only as a 75 per cent, solution in water. 

Dose, 10 to 30 m. ; .60 to 2.00 c.c, usually hypodermatically. 

Potassium Glycerophosphate (not official) is similar in physical appearance 
to the Sodium Salt. Iron, Lithium and Magnesium Glycerophosphates (none 
official) are fine, white, soluble powders. 

Action of the Glycerophosphates. 
According to Robin, the administration of these substances 
increases the solids of the urine, the urea, the carbon dioxide 
and sulphur oxidation coefficient, the chlorides, sulphates, lime, 
magnesia and potash, with but little effect on uric acid. They 
improve the nutrition of all organs, but more particularly that 
of the nervous system. 

Therapeutics of the Glycerophosphates. 
Inasmuch as the urine of neurasthenics contains relatively 
large amounts of incompletely oxidized phosphorus, especially 
in the form of glycerophosphoric acid, the effort was made to 
replace this loss by the introduction of phosphorus into the or- 
ganism in a form approaching, so nearly as is possible, that in 
which it exists in the nervous system. The indications for the 
glycerophosphates are conditions of nerve depression. If given 
subcutaneously they are at least as efficacious as testicular fluid 
(y. v.), which owes its activity to its contained organic phos- 
phates, and possess the advantage of more accurate dosage. They 
are useful in various neuralgias, as sciatica, tic douloureux, Ad- 
dison's disease, and in the symptom-complex, known as neuras- 
thenia. Chlorosis, albuminuria, phosphaturia, anaemia, the lat- 
ter by the iron salt, have been benefited. In diabetes the gen- 
eral condition improves and the amount of sugar may diminish. 
In various diseases of the bones, such as rachitis, osteomalacia, 
tuberculous affections, the lime and magnesium salts are indi- 
cated. The remedies should not be expected to rejuvenate se- 
nility, but are useful, even if slowly acting, adjuncts to the sys- 
tematic treatment of impaired nervous systems] . 



THE PREPARATIONS OF CHLORINE. 243 

GROUP IX. 

Chlorine, Iodine, Bromine. 

These elements, which are chemically so closely allied, are all of them 
powerful disinfectants and irritants. 

I. CHLORUM. 

[CHLO RUM .—Chlorine. 0=35.37.] 

This gas is not official under its own name, but is obtained from two 
sources of it, viz., Hydrochloric Acid and Chlorinated Lime. 

1. AQUA CHLORI. — Chlorine water. An aqueous solution of Chlo- 
rine (Cl=35.37) containing at least 0.4 per cent, of the gas. 

Source. — Pass washed Chlorine gas into water. The gas is obtained by 
heating diluted Hydrochloric Acid, 35 ; and Manganese Dioxide, 10. 4HCI 
+MnCy=Cl 2 +MnCl 2 +2H 2 0. 

Characters. — A clear greenish-yellow liquid, having the suffocating odor 
and disagreeable taste of Chlorine. 

Incompatibles. — Lead and Silver salts. 

Free Chlorine is contaitied in Acidum Nitrohydrochloricum Dilutum. 

Dose, 1 to 4 fl. dr. ; 4. to 15. c.c. diluted with water. 

2. CALX CHLORATA. — Chlorinated Lime. [A compound resulting 
from the action of Chlorine upon Calcium Hydrate, and containing not less 
than 35 per cent, of available Chlorine.] Synonym. — Bleaching powder. It 
may be regarded either as a compound of Calcium Hypochlorite and Chloride, 
or as one of Lime and Chlorine. 

Source. — Pass Chlorine gas over slaked Lime. 2Ca(OH) 2 -f2Cl 2 — 
CaCl 2 2 + CaCl 2 +2 H 2 . 

Characters. — A white or grayish- white granular powder, [exhaling the 
odor of Hypochlorous Acid, having a repulsive, saline taste, and becoming 
moist and gradually decomposing on exposure to air.] 

3. LIQUOR SODiE CHLORATE.— [Solution of Chlorinated Soda. 
Synonym. — Labarraque's solution. An aqueous solution of several Chlorine 
compounds of Sodium, chiefly NaCl and NaCIO, containing at least 2.6 per 
cent., by weight, of available Chlorine.] 

Source. — [A solution of Sodium Carbonate, 150; Chlorinated Lime, 75 ; 
in water to 1000. 

Characters. — A clear, pale- greenish liquid, having a faint odor of 
Chlorine. Sp. gr., about 1.052.] 

Dose, V 2 to 1 fl. dr. ; [2. to 4. c.c] 



244 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Action of Chlorine. 

External. — Chlorine is one of the most powerful disinfec- 
tants and deodorizers. It has a very great affinity for hydro- 
gen, and hence decomposes compounds which contain hydrogen, 
oxygen generally being set free. Chlorine is a very active and 
destructive irritant to the skin and [respiratory] mucous mem- 
branes. 

Internal. — [When] given internally, [some of it is converted 
into chlorides, but not all, for the odor of chlorine has been 
found in the brain after death from its inhalation (Cameron). 
The odor of chlorine is noticeable in the faeces after its internal 
administration.] 

Therapeutics of Chlorine. 

External. — Chlorine is largely used in the form of chlori- 
nated lime to disinfect privies, drains, urinals, etc. It may be 
employed also to disinfect rooms after infectious diseases. All 
metals or articles such as fabrics, likely to be bleached, should 
be covered up or removed ; the windows and chimneys should 
be pasted up. The gas can be evolved from common salt, [18 ;] 
manganese dioxide, [15;] and sulphuric acid, [45; in iced 
water, 21 parts by weight.] The door is then shut, and the 
cracks around it are pasted over with paper. [To disinfect 
hands moistened chlorinated lime is spread over the hands, next 
a large crystal of washing soda is held in the hands, and they 
are washed with rubbing under water until a cooling sensation 
is experienced. The best disinfectant for excreta is fresh chlo- 
rinated lime, 1 ; dissolved in water, 16. One quart (960 c.c.) 
is placed in the receptacle into which the dejecta are received 
and left one hour. (Sternberg.)] Chlorine water is sometimes 
employed as a wash for foul ulcers and discharges. The prepa- 
ration known as electrozone owes its antiseptic properties to 
chlorine. It is sea water, the alkaline chlorides of which have 
been converted into hypochlorites by electrolysis. Its anti- 
septic strength is about the same as that of liquor Sodae 
Chloratse. 

Internal. — Chlorine is used internally in the form of a wash 



THE PREPARATIONS OF IODINE. 245 

for the mouth. A wash (strong hydrochloric acid, 5 m. [.30 
c.c.]; potassium chlorate, 9 gr. [.60 gin.]; water, 1 fl. oz. [30. 
c.c.]) containing free chlorine, is very useful for syringing the 
fauces and nose in scarlet fever. The vapor gives rise to great 
irritation of the respiratory tract, and should never be inhaled. 
[Aqua Chlori has been successfully used, well diluted, in the 
diarrhoea of typhoid fever, particularly in markedly septic pa- 
tients. After the administration of drachm doses every hour 
the temperature falls, the intellect brightens, the tongue clears 
and betterment goes on to recovery in many apparently hopeless 
cases. ] 

II. IODUM. 

IODUM.— Iodine. I [=126.53.] 

Source. — Obtained from the ashes of sea-weed [and from the mother- 
liquor of Chilian Sodium Nitrate. 

Characters. — Heavy bluish-black, dry and friable rhombic plates, having 
a metallic lustre, a distinctive odor, and a sharp and acrid taste. Solubility. — 
In 5000 parts of water ; in 10 parts of Alcohol, freely in Ether, slightly in 
Glycerin, freely in a solution of Potassium Iodide or Sodium Chloride.] 

Incompatibles. — Metallic salts, mineral acids, alkaloids, oil of turpentine 
and ammonia ; with the last two explosive compounds may be formed. 

Impurities. — Iodine cyanide and iron. 

Preparations. 

[1. Liquor Iodi Compositus. — Compound Solution of Iodine. 
Synonym. — Lugol's Solution. Iodine, 5 ; Potassium Iodide, 10 ; water 
to 100. Strength. — 5 per cent. 

Dose, 1 to 10 m. ; .06 to .60 c.c] 

2. Tinctura Iodi.— [Tincture of Iodine. Iodine, 70; Alcohol to 
1000. Strength. — 7 per cent. 

Dose, 1 to 5 m. ; .06 to .30 c.c] 

3. Unguentum Iodi. — [Iodine Ointment. Iodine, 4 ; Potassium 
Iodide, 1 ; water, 2 ; Benzoinated Lard, 93. Strength. — 4 per cent.] 

Action of Iodine. 

External. — The actions of iodine applied externally are the 
same as those of chlorine, that is to say, it is powerfully disin- 
fectant and irritant. The latter action is the most important. 
Iodine applied to the skin produces a yellow stain, which can be 



246 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

removed by an alkali or sodium hyposulphite. At the same time 
it causes a sensation of heat and burning, dilatation of the ves- 
sels (rubefaction), some oedematous swelling, and some exuda- 
tion of leucocytes, to which its energetic absorbent action is 
probably due. There often is an accumulation of fluid under the 
epidermis forming a vesicle. Preparations of iodine are rarely 
used strong enough to produce more powerful irritation than 
this. The external application of them probably reflexly con- 
tracts the vessels of the subjacent organs, and this may explain 
their use as counter-irritants. If they are too strong, the irrita- 
tion set up by them will proceed to the formation of vesicles, 
and even pustules, and deep inflammation with scarring, They 
usually destroy the superficial cuticle, so that after the use of 
them the skin peels. Iodine may be absorbed from the skin, 
and the alkalies in the blood serum lead to the formation of 
sodium iodide and iodate ; thus, 6NaHC0 3 +3l 2 =5NaH-NaI0 3 + 
6C0 2 +3H 2 0. These, when they meet an acid, undergo double 
decomposition ; thus 5NaI+NaI0 3 +H 2 0=6NaHO+3l 2 . Thus 
free iodine is formed in the stomach and kidneys, and so if 
iodine has been applied to too large an area we get gastrointes- 
tinal irritation and vomiting. The same may happen if it is 
taken by the mouth, and it may cause precisely the same symp- 
toms of iodism as potassium iodide. Iodine preparations are 
parasiticides to the various vegetable and animal parasites 
which infest the skin. 

Internal. — Minute doses of the tincture occasionally stop 
vomiting. The vapor [B. P., which is tincture of iodine, 1 ; 
water, 8 ; to be gently heated] is very irritating to the respira- 
tory passages. 

Therapeutics of Iodine. 

External.— Iodine is rarely employed for its antiseptic pro- 
perties, as chlorine is cheaper. The preparations of iodine are 
in constant use as irritants and counter-irritants. Usually one or 
two coats of the liniment [B. P., 1885, which contains iodine, 
5 ; potassium iodide, 2 ; glycerin, 1 ; alcohol, 40], lightly 
painted on the skin, suffice ; if more is used the inflammation is 
too severe. If it causes pain, it may be washed off with a solu- 



THE PREPARATIONS OF IODINE. 2\J 

tion of potassium iodide. The ointment, tincture and compound 
solution are much milder than the liniment, which is too strong 
for many persons. Preparations of iodine are frequently used 
as counter-irritants for chronic inflammation of joints, for pleurisy, 
chilblains, periostitis, and many other purposes. The mild prep- 
arations of iodine are applied over chronically inflamed lymphatic 
glands when the cause of the swelling cannot be removed. A 
decolorized tincture of iodine is prepared, consisting of iodine 
dissolved in [alcohol,] and decolorized by a strong solution of 
ammonia. Its strength is i*in 40, nearly, and has the advantage 
of not staining the skin ; but it contains no iodine, for ammonium 
iodide and iodate are formed. Therefore it is a much milder 
irritant than other iodine preparations. Any effect it may have 
is due to excess of ammonia. For its irritant effect the official 
tincture may be injected into a hydroccele or a cyst to cause 
adhesive inflammation, and it has been injected into joints, 
abscesses, and the pleural cavity after empyema ; but in such 
cases great care must be taken that the inflammation induced is 
not too severe, and this treatment is now very rarely used, for 
the cavities, being kept aseptic, heal up without it. The tinc- 
ture, or, if it can be borne, the liquor [B. P., which is iodine, 
10 j potassium iodide, 15; water, 200;] is often used as an 
antiparasitic for ringworm. Coster's paste, which is sometimes 
employed for this disease, consists of iodine dissolved in light 
oil of wood tar (1 to 4). Morton's fluid, which is used as an 
injection for spina bifida, consists of iodine, 1 ; potassium iodide, 
3 ; glycerin, 48. [Two preparations are frequently employed 
in the treatment of diseases of women. These are : Churchill's 
tincture ; iodine, 5 ; potassium iodide, 1 ; water, 8 ; alcohol, 
24, and Battey's fluid; iodine, 2 ; pure carbolic acid, 1.] 

Internal. — The vapor [B. P., see p. 246] of iodine is occa- 
sionally inhaled for diseases of the lungs ; but it probably does 
more harm than good. One or two minims, [.06 to .12 c.c] of 
the tincture in half an ounce, [15. c.c] of water are often given, 
quite empirically, every half hour, in cases of vomiting, and 
sometimes with distinct benefit. Preparations of seaweed have 
among uneducated persons a reputation for reducing obesity. 



248 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

If they have any such action it is probably because the iodine, 
chlorine and bromine in them set up such dyspepsia that the 
proper digestion and absorption of food are prevented. Ex- 
tracts of Fucus vesiculosus, the bladderwrack or seawrack, have 
been used, and are the basis of some quack preparations. 

1. POTASSII I OD ID UM. —Potassium Iodide. KI[=i65.56.] 
Source. — Dissolve Iodine in a hot solution of Potassa in distilled water. 

3l 2 4-6KHO=:5KI-fKI0 3 +3H 2 0. Evaporate and heat the residue with 
Charcoal ; the Oxygen of the Iodate is carried off as Carbonic Oxide. KIO s 
4-C 3 =KI-j-3CO. Dissolve in boiling water, filter, wash and crystallize. 

Characters. — [Colorless, transparent or translucent, cubical crystals, or 
a white, granular powder, having a peculiar, faint, iodine-like odor, and a 
pungent, saline, afterwards bitter taste. Solubility* — In 0.75 part of water; 
in 18 of Alcohol ; in 2.5 of Glycerin.] 

Incompatibles. — Bismuth subnitrate, sweet spirit of nitre, liquorice, and 
preparations containing starch. 

Impurities. — Iodates [and free alkalies.] 

Dose, 5 to 60 gr. ; [.30 to 4.00 gm.,] or more. 

Preparations. 

[1. Syrupus Acidi Hydriodici. — Syrup of Hydriodic Acid. A 
syrupy liquid containing about 1 per cent., by weight, of absolute 
Hydriodic Acid (111=127.53). 

Source. — Dissolve Potassium Iodide, 13 ; and Potassium Hypo- 
phosphite, 1 ; in water. Dissolve Tartaric Acid, 12 ; in diluted Alco- 
hol, 25 ; mix the two solutions, cool, filter, reduce the filtrate by evap- 
oration to 50 parts, and mix, when cold, with Syrup to 1 000. 

Characters. — A transparent, colorless or not more than a pale 
straw-colored liquid, having a sweet and acidulous taste and an acid 
reaction. Sp. gr., about 1.3 13. 
Dose, ^ to 1 fl. dr. ; 1. to 4. c.c. 

2. Unguentum Potassii Iodidi. — Ointment of Potassium Iodide. 
Potassium Iodide, 12 ; Sodium Hyposulphite, I ; hot water, 10 ; Ben- 
zoinated Lard, 77.] 

2. SODII IODIDUM.— Sodium Iodide. [^1=149.53.] 

Source. — Made from a solution of Soda, as Potassium Iodide is made 
from a solution of Potassa. 3l 2 4-6NaHO=5NaI-f- NaI0 3 +3H 2 0. 

Characters. — [Colorless, cubical crystals or a white crystalline powder, 
having a saline and slightly bitter taste. Solubility, — In 0.6 part of water; 
in about 3 parts of Alcohol.] 

Dose, 5 to 30 gr. ; [.30 to 2.00 gm.,] or more. 



THE PREPARATIONS OF IODINE. 249 

[3. AMMONII IODIDUM.— Ammonium Iodide. NH 4 I ==144.54. 

Source. — Dissolve Potassium Iodide and Ammonium Sulphate in boiling 
water, add Alcohol, filter, wash, and evaporate the filtrate to dryness. 2KI-J- 
(NH 4 ) 2 S0 4 =2NH i I+K 2 S0 4 . 

CHARACTERS. — Minute, colorless, cubical crystals, or a white granular 
powder, very deliquescent, having a sharp, saline taste. Solubility. — In I 
part of water, and in 9 parts of Alcohol. 

Impurities. — Iodates and potassium sulphate. 

Dose, 2 to 10 gr. ; .12 to .60 gm., or more. 

4. STRON Til IODIDUM.— Strontium Iodide. SrI 2 -f6H 2 0=448.i2. 
Source. — By neutralization of freshly prepared solution of Hydriodic Acid 

with Strontium Carbonate ; the filtrate is concentrated and the salt obtained 
by crystallization. 2HI+SrC0 3 =SrI 2 -f C0 2 +H 2 0. 

Characters. — Colorless, transparent, hexagonal plates, odorless, and 
having a bitterish, saline taste. Deliquescent, and colored yellow by exposure 
to air and light. Solubility. — In 0.6 part of water; soluble in Alcohol, and 
slightly in Ether. 

Impurity. — Barium salts. 

Dose, 5 to 30 gr. ; .30 to 2.00 gm. 

5. ZINCI IODIDUM.— Zinc Iodide. Znl 2 =3i8.i6. 

Source. — By digesting an excess of Zinc, with Iodine diffused in water. 
Zn+I 2 +H 2 0=ZnI 2 -fH 2 0. 

Characters. — A white, granular powder, odorless, and having a sharp, 
saline and metallic taste. Very deliquescent, and liable to absorb oxygen from 
the air, and to become brown from liberated Iodine. Solubility. — Readily in 
water, Alcohol, or Ether. 

Dose, 1 to 3 gr. ; .06 to .20 gm.] 

Action of the Iodides." 

External. — They have none. They do not irritate, and 
they are absorbed by the unbroken skin in very small quantities. 

Internal. — There is much uncertainty about the action of 
iodides, which is not surprising when we remember the powerful 
chemical affinities of iodine. Binz teaches that they are decom- 
posed in the body by small quantities of nascent oxygen (set free 
by living protoplasm) acting upon an iodide which is in an acid- 
ulated solution, the acid being provided by carbon [dioxide] . 
Thus KI+H 2 0-f C0 2 =KHC0 3 +HI, and then 4 HI+0 2 =2H 2 
+ 2l 2 . We have just shown that iodine acts as an absorbent and 
that it leads to leucocytosis ; and that iodides act by virtue of 
the iodine set free from them in the body is supported by the fact 



250 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

that the older physicians produced the same therapeutic effects 
by giving iodine internally as we procure with iodides, and that 
iodine taken internally will produce symptoms of iodism. Potas- 
sium iodide replaced iodine in therapeutics because it does not 
cause the same gastro -intestinal irritation. The beneficial effects 
of iodides are so very marked in syphilis that in this disease they 
must have some specific action in addition to their general power 
as absorbents. They also have a specific effect on the mammary 
gland, for they lessen the secretion of milk. In long-continued 
large doses they cause atrophy of the testicles and breasts. Some 
believe that they aid in the elimination of lead, and this may be 
due to the fact that lead albuminate is soluble in solutions of 
potassium iodide. Occasionally considerable general depression 
is produced by large doses of potassium iodide ; but this is prob- 
ably due to the potassium, and not to the iodine, [and in this 
case the syrup of hydriodic acid can be substituted]. The iodides 
are rapidly eliminated by the urine, saliva, sweat and mucous 
membranes. When taken in excess they produce a number of 
symptoms known as Iodism. 

Iodism. — [This occurs in three forms. (1) The symptoms 
are those of gastric irritation only.] (2) The patient complains 
of heavy pain over the frontal sinus, running at the nose, sore 
throat, increased secretion of saliva, and an eruption on the skin, 
consisting of patches of erythema. In rare cases there is albu- 
minuria. The inflammation about the fauces may spread to the 
gums or down the trachea, setting up laryngitis, tracheitis, and 
bronchitis. These symptoms have been ascribed to an excessive 
formation of free iodine [produced] as mentioned above — and 
this is supported by the fact that they can be checked by large 
doses of sodium bicarbonate, which keep the fluids of the body 
alkaline, and thus prevent the formation of free iodine — and 
also to the decomposition of iodides by nitrites, for minute 
traces of these are believed to exist in saliva, nasal and bron- 
chial mucus, and sweat, and they will liberate free iodine from 
potassium iodide. It is stated in support of this view that sul- 
phanilic acid (dose, 60 to 90 gr. [4. to 6. gm.]), which forms 
a very stable compound with nitrous acid, will prevent iodism. 



THE PREPARATIONS OF IODINE. 25 1 

[Nervous troubles, neuralgia, singing in the ears, convulsive 
movements, disturbed intellection and rarely atrophy of mammae 
and testicles maybe noticed. (3) Iodic cachexia, which is char- 
acterized by rapid emaciation ; severe cardiac palpitation and 
ravenous appetite, are also prominent symptoms.] The suscep- 
tibility of people to poisoning by iodides varies very much. 
[Treatment. — The chewing of pellitory will hasten the elimi- 
nation of iodine in the chronic forms.] 

Therapeutics of the Iodides. 

The most important use of iodides is for syphilis ; their value 
for the primary and secondary stages is comparatively slight, but 
•they are invaluable for the tertiary stage, as they often cause the 
rapid absorption of nodes, gummataand other syphilitic deposits. 
The pharmacopceial dose may often be exceeded : patients some- 
times take two, three, or even four drachms [8. to 16. gm\] a day. 
Large doses are especially used in syphilis of the nervous system. 
[Daily doses of an ounce, 30. gm., are not infrequently neces- 
sary in these cases. No symptoms of iodism are likely to appear 
until the disease subsides.] Potassium iodide is often prescribed 
with [corrosive mercuric] chloride ; [red mercuric] iodide is 
formed and dissolved in the excess of potassium iodide. 

Chronic rheumatoid arthritis is often treated, and sometimes 
with benefit, by small doses of potassium iodide continued for a 
long while, but probably [ferrous] iodide is more useful. [So- 
called] gonorrhceal rheumatism is often treated with potassium 
iodide [but the syrup of hydriodic acid is preferable.] It fre- 
quently aids the absorption of chronic inflammatory products, 
even when they are not syphilitic. Therefore certain forms of 
joint disease, of pleurisy and of pulmonic consolidation some- 
times yield to treatment by this drug. The attempt has been 
made to cure aneurisms which are inaccessible to surgery by giv- 
ing potassium iodide for long periods, for it is thought that it 
aids the coagulation of blood in them ; but as at the same time 
the patient is always kept in bed, it is difficult to say how much 
of any improvement that may happen to take place is due to the 
iodide. Occasionally it relieves the pain of aneurism or of 



252 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

angina pectoris. It is a valuable expectorant, [particularly the 
ammonium salt] , and sometimes cures cases of bronchitis when 
other remedies have failed. Lately, chronic Bright' s disease 
has been largely treated with the drug. Lardaceous disease of 
the kidneys and other organs is benefited by it. [The potassium 
salt] is recommended for the [symptom] asthma, and in some 
cases does much good. It is occasionally given to decrease the 
secretion of milk. Potassium iodide perhaps causes an increased 
excretion of both lead and mercury if they exist in the body, 
and is therefore occasionally given in chronic poisoning by these 
metals. Sodium iodide is not so much used ; it probably pro- 
duces the same effects as the potassium salt, [but does not 
occasion so much depression.] Ammonium iodide may be given 
if the potassium salt causes depression, and it is said that rubid- 
ium iodide [not official] (dose, 5 to 20 gr. [.30 to 1.20 gm.]) 
is sometimes better tolerated than the potassium salt. 

[Strontium iodide has been recently introduced, and is used 
for the same purposes as the other iodides. It is believed that it 
is less likely to disturb the stomach, cause acne, and depress the 
heart than the remaining iodides. In many instances the syrup 
of hydriodic acid can be substituted with advantage for the 
iodides. It is not so likely to produce iodism, nor does it so 
readily give rise to the " iodide punishment. ' ' Its pleasant taste 
is grateful to most patients ; it should, however, be administered, 
well diluted, one-half hour before meals, or at least upon an empty 
stomach. Some of the commercial preparations are likely to 
decompose readily, especially when made from tartaric acid and 
potassium iodide, and are objectionable from the amount of syrup 
which is administered when large doses are employed.] 

III. BROMUM. 

BRO MUM. —Bromine. Br.^79.76.] 

Source. — [A liquid obtained from sea water and saline springs. 

Characters. — A heavy, dark, brownish-red, mobile liquid, evolving, 
even at ordinary temperatures, a yellowish-red vapor, highly irritating to the 
eyes and lungs, and having a peculiar suffocating odor, resembling that of 
Chlorine. Sp. gr., 2.990.] Sohibility, — In 30 parts of water ; [readily in 
Alcohol and Ether.] 

Impurity. — Iodine. 



the preparations of bromine. 253 

Action of Bromine. 

Its action is like that of chlorine and iodine. It is rarely 
used in medicine. 

1. POTASSII BROMIDUM.— Potassium Bromide. KBr[=n8.79.] 

Source. — [By adding Bromine to a solution of Potassa, a solution of the 
Bromide and Bromate is made. 3Br 2 -f6KOH=5KBr4-KBr0 3 +3H 2 0. 
On evaporation to dryness, mixing the salts with Charcoal and heating to red- 
ness, the Bromate is reduced to a Bromide, while the Oxygen unites with the 
Carbon, forming Carbonic Oxide, which escapes. KBr0 3 -f-3C=KBr-}-3CO. 
Dissolving in water, the solution yields the Bromide in crystals. 

Characters. — Colorless or white cubical crystals, or granules, having a 
pungent saline taste. Solubility. — In about 1.6 parts water; in 200 parts 
of Alcohol. 

Impurities. — Potassium bromide and free alkali.] 

Incompatibles. — Acids, acid and metallic salts. 

Dose, 5 to 60 gr. ; [.30 to 4.00 gm.] 

2. SODII BROMIDUM.— Sodium Bromide. NaBr[=i02.76.] 
Source. — Made from a solution of Soda, as Potassium Bromide is made 

from a solution of Potassa. 

Characters. — [Colorless or white cubical crystals, or a white granular 
powder, having a saline, slightly bitter taste. Solubility. — In about 1.2 parts 
of water ; in 13 parts of Alcohol.] 

Impurities and Incompatibles. —Those of Potassium Bromide. 

Dose, 15 to 60 gr. ; [1. to 4. gm.] 

3. AMMONII BROMIDUM.— Ammonium Bromide. NH 4 Br[= 

97-77-] 

Source. — Made by neutralizing Hydrobromic Acid with Ammonia or 
Ammonium Carbonate, evaporating and crystallizing. [HBr-j-NH 4 OH= 
NH 4 Br+H 2 0.] 

Characters. — Colorless [transparent, prismatic crystals, or a white crys- 
talline product, having a pungent saline taste. Solubility. — In 1.5 parts of 
water ; in 30 parts of Alcohol.] 

Incompatibles. — Acids, acid salts, and spirit of nitrous ether. 

Impurities. — Iodides and free bromine. 

Dose, 5 to 30 gr. ; [.30 to 2.00 gm. 

4. LITHII BROMIDUM.— Lithium Bromide. LiBr=86.77. 

Source. — From a solution of Ferrous Bromide heated with Lithium Car- 
bonate ; when cool the solution is evaporated, and the salt obtained by crystal- 
lization. FeBr 2 + Li 2 C0 3 =2LiBr-(- FeC0 3 . 

Characters. — A white granular salt, odorless, having a sharp and 



254 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

slightly bitter taste, very deliquescent. Solubility. — In 0.6 part of water; 
very soluble in Alcohol. 

Dose, 5 to 20 gr. ; .30 to 1.20 gm. 

5. CALCII BROMIDUM.— Calcium Bromide. CaBr 2 =iQa.43. 
Source. — From pure Calcium Carbonate by solution in Hydrobromic 

Acid and evaporation. CaC0 3 +2HBr=CaBr 2 -f C0 2 =H 2 0. 

Characters. — A white granular salt, having a sharp, saline taste, very 
deliquescent. Solubility. — In 0.7 part of water, and in 1 part of Alcohol. 

Dose, 15 to 30 gr. ; 1. to 2. gm. 

6. ZINCI BROMIDUM.— Zinc Bromide. ZnBr 2 =22 4 .6 2 . 
Source. — From granulated Zinc digested in Hydrobromic Acid ; the 

solution is concentrated, acidulated with Hydrobromic Acid, and dried upon a 
water-bath. Zn-f-2HBr=ZnBr 2 -j-H 2 . 

Characters. — A white granular powder, having a sharp, saline and 
metallic taste, very deliquescent, and a neutral reaction. Solubility. — Readily 
in water and Alcohol. 

Dose, 1 to 5 gr. ; .06 to .30 gm. 

7. STRONTII BROMIDUM.— Strontium Bromide. SrBr 2 -f6H 2 
=354.58. 

Source. — By neutralizing diluted Hydrobromic Acid with Strontium Car- 
bonate, filtration and evaporation. SrC0 3 -j-2HBr = SrBr 2 -|-C0 2 -{-H 2 0. 

Characters. — Colorless, transparent, hexagonal crystals, odorless, and 
having a bitter saline taste. Very deliquescent. Solubility. — In 1.05 parts 
of water. Readily soluble in Alcohol. 

Impurities. — Barium and calcium salts. 

Dose, 5 to 30 gr. ; .30 to 2.00 gm.] 

Action of the Bromides. 

External. — They have none. 

Internal. — Alimentary canal. — Solutions of any of the [first] 
three bromides, frequently painted on the throat, diminish its 
sensibility. Medicinal doses have no other effect on the ali- 
mentary canal. All bromides are quickly converted into sodium 
bromide in the stomach and intestines, and they are readily 
absorbed. 

JVervous system. — Bromides are powerful depressants to 
rhe nervous system ; [the action of the potassium salt being 
most marked.] Thus, if an animal be given large doses of any 
of them, irritation of the cortical motor areas, which before easily 



THE PREPARATIONS OF BROMINE. 255 

excited movements, fails to do so. Experiments also show that 
the reflex excitability of the cord is considerably diminished, and 
that the activity of the sensory mechanism is also impaired, for 
large doses of bromides given to frogs cause cutaneous anaesthe- 
sia. In man, at least, not only the cortical motor area, but the 
brain as a whole is depressed, therefore these drugs are powerful 
hypnotics. It is probable that in addition to the brain and 
spinal cord the peripheral nerves are depressed, so that bromides 
are well worthy to be called powerful nervous depressants. The 
activity of the muscles is also diminished, not only by the action 
of the drugs on the nervous system, but by their direct action on 
them. It has been definitely shown by Wright that excessive 
doses of potassium bromide cause in man and rabbits degenera- 
tion of the cortical cells, and that this degeneration begins at 
the periphery of the dendrons. 

Circulation. — Here also bromides are depressant ; large doses 
exert a direct paralyzing influence on the heart, lessening the 
force and the frequency of the beat and producing stop- 
page in diastole ; [the potassium having the greatest effect, the 
sodium salt has less influence ; the ammonium salt slightly stimu- 
lating the heart.] They are said to cause vaso-motor spasm; 
but the evidence of this is very unsatisfactory. Toxic doses pro- 
duce a fall of temperature ; this is probably in some way second- 
ary to the depression of the circulation. . ■ 

Respiration is slightly depressed by bromides. 

Metabolism. — The amount of carbon [dioxide] exhaled is 
greatly decreased by taking large doses of bromides. The 
amount of urine is increased [particularly after the use of the 
lithium salt] ; the coloring matters, the sulphur, and the nitrogen 
in it are increased ; but the phosphorus is decreased. 

Sexual organs, — If bromides are taken for a long time a failure 
of sexual vigor is produced, and ultimately there is a great lessen- 
ing of the sexual appetite. Bromides are therefore anaphro- 
disiacs. 

Elimination. — Bromides are rapidly eliminated by the kid- 
neys, skin, saliva, intestinal mucous membrane, bronchial mucous 
membrane, and milk. 



256 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Bromism. — If bromides are taken for too long a period, a 
series of symptoms of poisoning, to which the above name has 
been given, may appear. [The hydrobromic acid (see p. 258), 
although containing a larger proportion of bromine, rarely gives 
rise to bromism.] The earliest of them is a rash, consisting of 
red papules, chiefly on the face and back, exactly resembling 
some forms of acne. This is probably the result of the excretion 
of bromide by the skin. The next symptoms are a general 
lowering of the cutaneous sensibility and also of that of the 
pharynx, then there is diminution of sexual power, the patient 
becomes low-spirited, easily fatigued, unfit for work, and his in- 
tellect is dulled, and in bad cases this passes on to dementia, 
melancholia, and other disorders. There may be a little con- 
junctivitis, and some increased secretion from the bronchi. 
[A coated tongue and disordered digestion are constant symp- 
toms.] 

Potassium bromide owes its action largely to the bromine in 
it, but probably also, to a less extent, to the potassium. In man, 
at least, the higher functions of the brain are depressed before the 
lower, and these again before the spinal. Thus the depression 
takes place in regular order from above downwards, in the reverse 
order of the physiological development of the functions, and this 
is commonly the case with many drugs (see Law of Dissolution, 
p. 104). 

Those who take bromides habitually find themselves unable to 
sleep without them, and their intellect becomes obscured. These 
bad effects are intensified by the fact that gradually larger doses 
are required to produce sleep, and thus the unfortunate sufferer 
becomes more and more a slave to the drug. [Also occasionally 
maniacal excitement, mental confusion and even delirium are 
observed after continued use of moderate doses, particularly of 
the potassium salt.] 

Therapeutics of the Bromides. 
External. — None. 

Internal. — Alimentary canal. — Formerly the back of the 
throat was painted with a solution of a bromide before a laryn- 



THE PREPARATIONS OF BROMINE. 2^J 

geal examination, but now cocaine is employed for this pur- 
pose. 

Nervous system. — Because of their depressing effect bromides 
are largely used for many nervous diseases. They are the most 
valuable drugs we have for the treatment of epilepsy, acting no 
doubt by diminishing the excitability of the cerebral cortex. 
They rarely cure, but often greatly diminish the number of fits. 
Rubidium [and] ammonium bromide appears to be the best 
bromide for some cases of epilepsy (dose, 30 gr. [2. gm.]). 
It is impossible to say in any given case whether bromides will 
do good, therefore they [should] be tried in all ; petit mat is more 
difficult to influence than grand mat. The next most common 
use of bromides is as hypnotics. They are most useful when there 
is no organic cause to explain the insomnia, and therefore they 
are not employed when pain keeps the patient awake, but are 
given with great benefit in the insomnia of overwork, worry, or 
that connected with the climacteric period. The sleep induced 
is quiet and refreshing, without dreams, and therefore these drugs 
are of great value in nightmare, and in the night-screaming of 
children, which may be regarded as allied to it. Also because of 
their depressant effect on the nervous system they are given in 
migraine, and often they are the only drugs which do any good 
for the intense headache of this disease. Large doses, often a 
drachm [4. gm.] at a time, are given in delirium tremens espe- 
cially in combination with chloral [hydrate], and sometimes the 
patient seems quieter for this treatment. Not only the insomnia, 
but the other nervous symptoms that are common at the climacteric 
period may be relieved by bromides. For their depressing power 
on centres below the cortex they are used, and with good results, 
in laryngismus stridulus, and have been given in whooping-cough ; 
but the benefit is not marked. Some cases of tetanus have re- 
covered after enormous doses of bromides. Here their value is, 
no doubt, due to their power of diminishing the reflex function 
of the spinal cord. Bromides have been given as antidotes for 
strychnine poisoning. Sometimes they succeed in cases of hys- 
teria and neuralgia, and some varieties of functional disease of 
the heart are much improved by them. 

17 



258 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDlCA. 

Sexual functions . — Because of its depressant effect potassium 
bromide is given for spermatorrhoea and nymphomania. 

8. ACIDUM HYDROBROMICUM DILUTUM.— Diluted Hydro- 
bromic Acid. [A liquid compound of 10 per cent., by weight, of absolute 
Hydrobromic Acid (HBr=8o. 76) in water. 

Source. — Potassium Bromide, in solution, is mixed with Sulphuric Acid, 
and Potassium Sulphate allowed to crystallize, the precipitate is washed upon 
the filter and the filtrate is distilled nearly to dryness and then diluted to the 
proper strength. 2KBr+H 2 S0 4 =2HBr+K 2 S0 4 . 

Characters. — A clear, colorless liquid, having a strongly acid taste. 
Sp. gr., about 1.077. 

Dose, y 2 to 1 fl. dr. ; 2. to 4. c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Hydrobromic Acid. 

The action of this acid appears to be the same as that of the 
bromides of the alkaline metals, but it is very rarely used for the 
same purposes. It has been employed with occasional success to 
relieve noises in the ears, and it is said to prevent the symptoms 
of poisoning by quinine ; [of this drug it is an excellent solvent.] 



GROUP X. 

Containing Sulphur [and its compounds] . 
SULPHUR. 

S[= 3 i. 9 8.] 

Sulphur is official in [three] forms. 

1. SULPHUR SUBLIMATUM.— Sublimed Sulphur. Synonym.— 
Flowers of Sulphur. 

Source. — From Crude Sulphur by sublimation. 

Characters. — [A fine, yellow powder, having a slight, characteristic 
odor and a faintly acid taste. ] 

Impurities. — Sulphurous and sulphuric acids, arsenic sulphide, and earthy 
matters. 

[Sublimed Sulphur is used to make Potassa Sulphurata.] 

Dose, 15 to 60 gr. ; [1. to 4. gm.] 



THE PREPARATIONS OF SULPHUR. 2 $9 

2. SULPHUR PRiECIPITATUM.— Precipitated Sulphur. Syn- 
onym. — Milk of Sulphur. [Lac Sulphuris. 

Source. — Boil Sublimed Sulphur, 100 ; with Slaked Lime, 50 ; in water. 
6S.,-f-3Ca(OH).,=2CaS 5 4-CaS 2 3 -(-3H 2 0. This gives a solution containing 
Calcium Sulphide and Calcium Hyposulphite. To it Hydrochloric Acid is 
added, and Sulphur is thrown down as a very fine precipitate. 2CaS 5 -(- 
4HCl=2CaCl 2 -[-4S 2 2H 2 S. Wash and dry the precipitate. 

Characters. — A fine, amorphous powder of a pale yellow color, without 
odor or taste. ] 

Impurity. — Calcium sulphate, which makes it gritty. 

Dose, 15 to 60 gr. ; [1. to 4. gm.] 

[3. SULPHUR LOTUM.— Washed Sulphur. 

Source. — Sublimed Sulphur, 100 ; with water, 100 ; and Ammonia Water, 
10; is digested, filtered, drained and dried. 

Characters. — A fine, yellow powder, without odor or taste. Solubility. 
— Insoluble in water. 

Impurities. — Acids, arsenous acid, and arsenous sulphide. 

Washed Sulphur is contained in Pulvis Glycyrrhizae Compositus, and is 
used to make Sulphuris Iodidum. 

Dose, 15 to 60 gr. ; 1. to 4. gm. 

Preparation. 

Unguentum Sulphuris. — Sulphur Ointment. Washed Sulphur, 
300 ; Benzoinated Lard, 700. ] 

Action of Sulphur. 

External. — Sulphur itself has no action on the skin, but 
some of it is converted into hydrogen [sulphide], and that is a 
mild vascular stimulant, causing slight dilatation of the vessels, 
and in some persons, eczema. It kills the Sarcoptes [scabiei~\, 
and is therefore a parasiticide. When applied to raw surfaces 
it is converted into sulphurous and sulphuric acids, and is there- 
fore a severe irritant. 

Internal. — Alimentary canal. — It has no effect on the 
stomach, and most that is taken is passed out in the faeces unal- 
tered. A certain amount is, in the intestine, converted into 
hydrogen [sulphide] and other sulphides. These cause a mild 
laxative effect, increasing the secretion of intestinal juice, and 
slightly stimulating the muscular coat, producing soft semi-liquid 
stools, sometimes accompanied by flatus of hydrogen [sulphide], 



260 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

which, if in sufficient quantity, makes sulphur an undesirable 
laxative. 

Remote effects. — Sulphur is absorbed as sulphides and hydro- 
gen [sulphide], which is a powerful poison, decomposing the 
blood, and thus producing symptoms of asphyxia. It also par- 
alyzes the whole nervous and muscular systems, but sulphur is 
never given to man in sufficient doses to produce any remote 
effects. Patients taking sulphur get rid of some minute portion 
of it as hydrogen [sulphide] through the kidneys, the milk, the 
lungs and skin. The breath occasionally smells of it, and silver 
ornaments next to the skin may be discolored. 

Therapeutics of Sulphur. 

ExternaL — Sulphur is commonly used to kill the Sarcoptes 
\scabiei\ and thus to cure scabies. The skin should be well 
scrubbed with soft soap and hot water to lay open the burrows. 
Then it is thoroughly rubbed with the ointment. The patient 
should do this before bedtime, sleep in flannel, and wash the 
ointment off the next morning. This proceeding repeated three 
or four times will generally cure the disease. Sulphur ointment 
was formerly applied as a stimulant to ulcers, and was rubbed in 
for chronic rheumatism ; but these modes of treatment are now 
rarely used, and their value is doubtful. [Mineral waters con- 
taining sulphur and its salts are useful for chronic rheumatism, 
as, for example, those of Richfield Springs.] Mild sulphur 
preparations are applied for acne. 

Internal. — Alimentary canal. — Sulphur is a very good laxa- 
tive, especially for children ; as it produces a soft motion, but no 
pain, it is useful for cases of piles or fissure of the anus. [Washed] 
sulphur is contained in compound liquorice powder [see Senna], 
which is an excellent and popular laxative. One or two sulphur 
lozenges [of the B. P., each containing 5 gr. [.30 gm.] of pre- 
cipitated sulphur and 1 gr. [.06 gm.] of acid potassium tartrate], 
taken at bedtime, often secure an easy evacuation of the bowels 
the next morning, in persons liable to slight constipation. These 
lozenges have been recommended for constipation associated 
with hepatic disease, and many mineral waters containing 



THE PREPARATIONS OF SULPHUR. 26 1 

sodium and hydrogen sulphides have considerable reputation for 
hepatic disorders. Of these, Harrogate water has been shown 
to increase the amount of bile and the solids in it. 

Remote effects. — Sulphur has been administered internally for 
all sorts of skin diseases, generally without any good result, but 
occasionally chronic eczema associated with much itching ap- 
pears to be benefited by it, so that the sulphur lozenge is a suit- 
able laxative for these cases. Sulphur has been also given for 
bronchitis, for chronic rheumatism, and rheumatic myalgia, but 
it is very doubtful whether in these diseases there is much relief 
from this treatment. 

4. POTASSA SULPHURATA.- Sulphurated Potassa. Synonym.— 
Liver of Sulphur. [A mixture consisting for the most part of Potassium Hy- 
posulphite (K 2 S 2 3 ) and Sulphide (K 2 S 3 ).] 

Source. — Heat in a crucible a mixture of [sublimed] Sulphur, 100 ; and 
[dried] Potassium Carbonate, 200. 3K 2 C0 3 +4S 2 =K 2 S 2 3 -j-2K 2 S 3 -f-3C0 2 . 

Characters. — [When freshly prepared it forms irregular pieces of a 
liver-brown color, which, by exposure to the air, gradually absorb moisture, 
Oxygen, and Carbon Dioxide, and change to a greenish-yellow and finally a 
gray mass, containing Potassium Carbonate, Hyposulphite and Sulphate. The 
compound has a faint odor of Hydrogen Sulphide, and a bitter, alkaline taste. 
Solubility. — In 2 parts of water.] 

5. CALX SULPHURATA.— Sulphurated Lime. [Synonym.— Crude 
Calcium Sulphide. A mixture containing at least 60 per cent, of Calcium 
Monosulphide (CaS=7i.8c)), togeiher with unchanged Calcium Sulphate 
(CaS0 4 =l35.73), and Carbon, in varying proportions. 

Source. — Obtained by heating a mixture of Calcium Sulphate, 70 ; Char- 
coal, 10 ; and Starch, 2. 

CHARACTERS. — A pale gray powder, exhaling a faint odor of Hydrogen 
Sulphide, having a nauseous, alkaline taste, and gradually decomposed by ex- 
posure to air. Solubility. — Very slightly in water ; insoluble in alcohol.] 

Dose, ^ to y z gr. ; [.006 to .03 gm.] 

6. SULPHURIS IODIDUM.— Sulphur Iodide. SIIW58.51. ■ 

SOURCE. — By heating washed Sulphur, 120; with Iodine, 80, to liquefac- 
tion ; when solid after cooling, reduce the fused mass to pieces. 

Characters. — Brittle masses of a crystalline fracture and a grayish or 
black, metallic lustre, having the odor of Iodine, and a somewhat acrid taste.] 
Solubility. — [Almost] insoluble in water. 

Dose, 1 to 4 gr. ; [.06 to .24 gm.] 



262 inorganic materia medica. 

Action of Sulphurated Potash, Sulphurated Lime, and 
Sulphur Iodide. 
External. — These preparations are irritant, and are powerful 
parasiticides for the Sarcoptes \_scabiei.~\ 

Internal. — Nothing is known of their internal action. 

Therapeutics of Sulphurated Potash, Sulphurated Lime, 
and Sulphur Iodide. 

External. — An ointment of either will cure scabies and a 
sulphurated potash ointment (1 in 80) is often used for this pur- 
pose in the same way as sulphur ointment. [These] drugs have 
been used for many chronic skin diseases ; but now they are 
not often employed. They appear, however, occasionally to do 
good in cases of acne indurata. Baths containing sulphides in 
solution are considered by many to be very useful for chronic 
rheumatic arthritis and rheumatic myalgia. The famous natural 
sulphide baths are those of Aix-la-Chapelle, Aix-les-Bains, and 
there are many others, which will be found described in works 
on general therapeutics ; but as in all of them the water is warm, 
and warm water is beneficial for chronic rheumatism, and the 
sulphides exist in infinitesimally small quantities, it is very prob- 
able that the benefit is due more to the heat of the water than to 
its constituents. An artificial bath (sulphurated potash, 1 ; 
water, 960,) is used for chronic psoriasis. 

Internal. — Sulphides have been given for chronic rheuma- 
tism, various skin diseases, and phthisis ; but the evidence of 
good done is scanty. [Sulphurated lime has been given inter- 
nally in cases of suppuration,] for boils, carbuncles, and tuber- 
culous glands in the neck. Haifa grain or a grain [.03 to .06 
gm.] should be given every four hours. It is best made into a 
pill with acacia, sugar of milk and syrup. 

[7. CARBONEI DISULPHIDUM.— Carbon Disulphide. CS 2 = 
75.93. Synonym. — Carbon Bisulphide. 

Source. — By combination of Carbon and Sulphur, by distillation. 

Characters. — A clear, colorless, highly refractive liquid, very diffusive, 
having a strong characteristic, but not fetid odor, and a sharp, aromatic taste. 
Solubility. — In 535 parts of water; very soluble in Alcohol, Ether, Chloro- 
form, fixed and volatile oils. Sp. gr. , 1.268 to 1.269. 



the acids. 263 

Uses of Carbon Disulphide. 

Carbon disulphide is used as a solvent. It is the best solvent 
for rubber and similar bodies. It can be freed from its usual 
disgusting odor by repeated rectification.] 



GROUP XI. 

Acids. 



Those acids which will be considered here may be divided into two classes. 

Class I. — Those which are strongly acid, the more powerfully acid being 
active caustics. They are Sulphuric, Nitric, Hydrochloric, Nitrohydro- 
chloric, Phosphoric, Acetic, Tartaric, Citric and Lactic acids. [Hypo- 
phosphorous, Hydriodic and] Hydrobromic acids might be placed here, 
but they have already been considered \_see pp. 240, 248 and 258]. 

Class II. — Those which, although feebly acid, are powerfully antiseptic. 
They are Sulphurous and Boric acids. 

Diluted Hydrocyanic, Carbolic, Benzoic, Gallic, Tannic, Oleic and Sali- 
cylic acids are not used as acids, and will be considered under other headings. 

Arsenous Acid and Chromic Acid are not true acids ; they are Anhydrides, 
and have already been considered {see 223 and 234). 

Class I. 

1. ACIDUM SULPHURICUM.— [Sulphuric Acid. Synonym.— 
Oil of Vitriol. A liquid composed of not less than 92.5 per cent., by weight, 
of absolute Sulphuric Acid (H 2 S0 4 =97.82) and 7.5 per cent, of water.] 

Source. — Produced by the combustion of Sulphur or Iron Pyrites, and 
the oxidation and hydration of the resulting Sulphur Dioxide gas by means of 
nitrous and aqueous vapors. [2HN0 3 +2S0 2 -j-H 2 0— 2H 2 S0 4 -f-N 2 3 . N 2 O a 
+2S0 2 +0 2 +H 2 0=2S0 2 ,OHN0 2 . 2S0 2 ,OHN0 2 +H 2 0=2H 2 S0 4 +N 2 3 . 

Characters. — A colorless liquid of oily consistence and very caustic and 
corrosive. Sp. gr., not below 1. 835.] 

Impurities. — Nitric acid, lead, and arsenic. 

Incompatibles. — Alkalies, their carbonates, lead and calcium salts. 

Preparations. 

1. Acidum Sulphuricum Dilutum. — [Diluted Sulphuric Acid. 
Sulphuric Acid, 100 ; distilled water, 825. Sp. gr., about 1.070. 
Contains 10 per cent., by weight, of absolute Sulphuric Acid.] 

Dose, 10 to 30 m. ; [.60 to 2.00 c.c] 



264 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

2. Acidum Sulphuricum Aromaticum. — [Aromatic Sulphuric 
Acid. Synonym. — Elixir of Vitriol. Sulphuric Acid, 100 ; Oil of Cin- 
namon, I ; Tincture of Ginger, 50 ; Alcohol, a sufficient quantity to 
make iooo. Sp. gr., about 0.939. Contains about 20 per cent., by 
weight, of official Sulphuric Acid, partly in form of Ethyl- Sulphuric 
Acid.] 

Aro??iatic Sulphu?'ic Acid is contained in Infusum Cinchonse. 

Dose, 5 to 15 m. ; [.30 to 1.00 c.c] 

2. ACIDUM NITRICUM.— Nitric Acid. [A liquid composed of 68 
per cent., by weight, of absolute Nitric Acid (HN0 3 =62.89), and 32 per cent, 
of water.] 

Source. — Made from Potassium Nitrate by distilling with Sulphuric Acid. 
[KN0 3 +H 2 S0 4 =KHS0 4 +HN0 3 . ] 

Characters. — A colorless, fuming [liquid, very caustic and corrosive, and 
having a peculiar, somewhat suffocating odor. Sp. gr., about 1. 414.] 

Impurities. — Sulphuric acid, nitre, and lower nitrogen oxides, giving 
ruddy fumes. 

Incompatibles. — Alcohol, alkalies, carbonates, oxides, iron sulphate, and 
lead acetate. 

{Nitric Acid is contained in Liquor Ferri Nitratis, Liquor Zinci Chloridi, 
and Unguentum Hydrargyri Nitratis.] 

Preparations. 

1. Acidum Nitricum Dilutum. — [Diluted Nitric Acid. Nitric 
Acid, 100; distilled water, 580. Sp. gr., about 1.057. It contains 10 
per cent., by weight, of absolute Nitric Acid.] 

Dose, 5 to 30 m. ; [.30 to 2.00 c.c] 

2. Acidum Nitrohydrochloricum. — [Nitrohydrochloric Acid. 
Synonyms. — Nitromuriatic Acid. Aqua regia. Nitric Acid, 180 ; 
Hydrochloric Acid, 820.] 

3. Acidum Nitrohydrochloricum Dilutum. — [Diluted Nitro- 
hydrochloric Acid. Synonym. — Diluted Nitromuriatic Acid. Nitric 
Acid, 40; Hydrochloric Acid, 180 ; distilled water, 780. Contains 
Free Chlorine, Hydrochloric, Nitric and Nitrous Acids, and other 
compounds dissolved in water. ] 

Dose, 5 to 30 m. ; [.30 to 2.00 c.c] 

3. ACIDUM HYDROCHLORICUM.— [Hydrochloric Acid. Syn- 
onym. — Muriatic Acid. A liquid compound of 31.9 per cent., by weight, of 
Absolute Hydrochloric Acid (HC1=36.37) and 68.1 per cent, of water. 

Source. — The fumes produced by the action of Sulphuric Acid on 
Sodium Chloride are dissolved in water. 2NaCl-f H 2 S0 4 =HCl+NaCl+ 
NaHS0 4 and NaCl+NaHSO i =HCl+Na 2 S0 4 . 



THE ACIDS. 265 

CHARACTERS. — A colorless, fuming liquid, of a pungent odor, of an 
intensely acid taste. Sp. gr., about 1.163.] 

Incompatibles. — Lead and silver salts, alkalies and their carbonates. 

\_Hydrochloric Acid is contained in Liquor Ferri Chloridi and Liquor 
Zinci Chloridi.] . 

Preparations. 

1. Acidum Hydrochloricum Dilutum. — [Diluted Hydrochloric 
Acid. Synonym. — Diluted Muriatic Acid. Hydrochloric Acid, 100; 
distilled water, 219. Sp. gr., about 1.050. 

Diluted Hydrochloric Acid is contained in Liquor Acidi Arsenosi.] 
Dose, 5 to 20 m. ; [.30 to 1.20 c.c] 

2. Acidum Nitrohydrochloricum. — See Nitric Acid. 

3. Acidum Nitrohydrochloricum Dilutum. — See Nitric Acid. 

4. ACIDUM PHOSPHORICUM. — [Phosphoric Acid. A liquid 
composed of not less than 85 per cent., by weight, of absolute Orthophos- 
phoric Acid (H 3 P0 4 =97.8), in water. 

Source. — "When Phosphorus is brought into contact with Nitric Acid, it 
is slowly oxidized and converted into Phosphoric Acid. P 3 -[-5HN0 3 -j-2H 2 
= 3 H 3 PO,+ 5 NO. 

Characters. — A colorless liquid, without odor, but having a strongly 
acid taste. Sp. gr., 1.347.] 

Impurities. — Calcium preparations, and sodium carbonate. 

[Phosphoric Acid is contained in Syrupus Quininae et Strychninae Phos- 
phatum.] 

Preparation. 

Acidum Phosphoricum Dilutum. — [Diluted Phosphoric Acid. 
Phosphoric Acid, 100; distilled water, 750. Sp. gr., about 1.057. It 
contains 10 per cent., by weight, of absolute Orthophosphoric Acid. 

Dose, 5 to 30 m. ; [.30 to 2.00 c.c] 

5. ACIDUM ACETICUM.— Acetic Acid. [A liquid composed of 36 
per cent., by weight, of absolute Acetic Acid (HC 2 H 3 2 =59.86) and 64 per 
cent, of water. 

Source. — By distilling Sodium Acetate with Sulphuric Acid, NaC 2 H 3 2 
+H 2 S0 4 =HC 2 H 3 2 +NaHSO i . The Acetic Acid distils out, and is obtained 
by crystallization. 

Impurities. — A clear, colorless liquid, having a strong, vinegar-like odor, 
a purely acid taste, and a strongly acid reaction. Sp. gr. , about 1.048.] 

Impurities. — Lead and copper, sulphuric, sulphurous and hydrochloric 
acids. 

\_Aceiic Acid is used to make the Aceta, and in several preparations.] 



266 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Preparation. 

Acidum Aceticum Dilutum. — Diluted Acetic Acid. [Acetic 
Acid, ioo ; distilled water, 500. Sp. gr., about 1. 008. It contains 6 
per cent., by weight, of absolute Acetic Acid. 

Dose, 1 to 4 fl. dr. ; [4. to 15. c.c] 

6. ACIDUM ACETICUM GLACI ALE. — Glacial Acetic Acid. 
HC 3 H 3 2 [= 5 9-86.] 

Source. — Distil dry Sodium Acetate with, strong Sulphuric Acid. 
NaC 2 H 3 2 +H 2 S0 4 ==HC 2 H 3 2 -fNaHS0 4 . 

Characters. — [A clear, colorless liquid, of a strong, vinegar-like odor, 
and a very pungent, purely acid taste. Sp. gr., not higher than 1.058, corre- 
sponding to at least 99 per cent, absolute Acetic Acid.] 

7. ACIDUM CITRICUM.— Citric Acid, H 3 C 6 H 5 7 +H 2 [=209. 50. 
Source. — Found in the fruits of the Lime (Citrus Bergamia) and Lemon 

( Citrus Lhnonuni). Chalk is added to the boiling juice, usually lemon juice, 
2H 3 C 6 H 5 7 + 3CaC0 3 = Ca 3 (C 6 H 5 0.) 2 + 3C0 2 -f 3 H 2 0. The precipitated 
Calcium Citrate is boiled with Sulphuric Acid. After filtration and evapora- 
tion, Citric Acid crystallizes out. Ca 3 (C 6 H 5 7 ) 2 +3H 2 S0 4 =2H 3 C 6 H 5 7 -f 
3CaS0 4 . 

Characters. — Colorless, translucent, right-rhombic prisms, having an 
agreeable, purely acid taste. ] Citric Acid, like Tartaric Acid, is often used to 
produce an effervescing mixture with [Ammonium, Sodium or Potassium] Car- 
bonates, the two solutions being mixed immediately before taking. Carbon 
Dioxide which causes the effervescence is formed thus : — 3KHC0 3 -)-H 3 C 6 H 5 7 
=K 3 C 6 H 5 7 + 3 C0 2 + 3 H 2 0. 

I NCOMPATIBLES.— Potassium tartrate, alkaline carbonates, and acetates. 

Impurities. — Copper, lead, sulphuric and tartaric acids, and mineral 
matters. 

Free Citric Acid is contained in Limonis Succus. 

[Citric Acid is used to make Bismuthi Citras, Ferri et Quininae Citras, 
Ferri et Quininae Citras Solubilis, Ferri et Strychninae Citras, Liquor Ferri 
Citratis, Liquor Magnesii Citratis, Liquor Potassii Citratis, Lithii Citras Effer- 
vescens, and Magnesii Citras Effervescens. ] 

Dose, 5 to 30 gr. ; [.30 to 2.00 gm.] 

[Preparation. 

Syrupus Acidi Citrici. — Syrup of Citric Acid. Citric Acid, 10 ; 
water, 10 ; Spirit of Lemon, 10 ; Syrup to iooo. 
Dose, 1 to 4 fl. dr. ; 4. to 15. c.c] 

8. ACIDUM TARTARICUM.— Tartaric Acid, H^F^O^ 149.64. 
Source. — Boil Acid Potassium Tartrate with Calcium Carbonate. 2K 

,CaC 4 H 4 6 -f K 2 C 4 H 4 6 -f H 2 0+C0 2 . Calcium Chloride 



THE ACIDS. 267 

is now added, which precipitates more Calcium Tartrate. K 2 C 4 H 4 6 -j-CaCl 2 
=CaC 4 H 4 6 -f-2KCl. The Calcium Tartrate is finally decomposed with Sul- 
phuric Acid. CaC 4 H 4 6 -j-H 2 S0 4 — H 2 C 4 H 4 6 -f-CaS0 4 . Then evaporate the 
fluid to the sp. gr. of 1.21. Separate the Calcium Sulphate crystals that form. 
Again evaporate, Tartaric Acid crystallizes out. 

Characters. — Colorless translucent monoclinic prisms longer than those 
of Citric Acid, or crystalline crusts, or a white powder, having a purely acid 
taste. Solubility. — In 0.8 part of water ; in 2.5 parts of Alcohol.] 

Incompatibles. — Potassium salts, calcium, mercury, lead, and vegetable 
astringents. 

Impurities. — Lead, oxalic acid, lime, and potassium tartrate. 

Dose, 8 to 30 gr. ; [.50 to 2.00 gm.] 

9. ACIDUM LACTICUM.— Lactic Acid. HC 3 H 5 3 [=8 9 .79. 

SOURCE. — Usually obtained by subjecting milk-sugar or grape-sugar to 
lactic fermentation. It contains 75 per cent, by weight of absolute Lactic 
Acid, in aqueous solution. 

Characters. — A colorless syrupy liquid, of a purely acid taste, and ab- 
sorbing moisture on exposure to damp air. Sp. gr., about 1.213. Solubility. 
— Freely miscible with water, Alcohol or Ether.] 

Impurities. — Mineral acids, sugar, lead, and iron. 

^Lactic Acid is used in Syrupus Calcii Lactophosphatis. ] 

Action of Sulphuric, Nitric, Hydrochloric, Phosphoric, 
Acetic, Citric, Tartaric and Lactic Acids. 

External. — All these acids are powerful irritants when 
applied externally. The feeblest is citric. Its concentrated so- 
lution has no action on the sound skin, but is irritant to mucous 
membranes and abraded surfaces. Tartaric is stronger than 
citric acid ; it will act upon the unabraded skin, and applied to 
a sore it produces pain, a sensation of burning, and considerable 
vascular dilatation. The remaining acids are very powerful irri- 
tants, therefore even [very] dilute solutions of them may produce 
considerable redness and perhaps vesication, and when the solu- 
tion is strong they are very energetic caustics ; sulphuric and 
phosphoric acids, having a powerful affinity for water, are espe- 
cially active. Sulphuric acid leaves the carbon untouched, there- 
fore it blackens ; nitric stains the skin a deep yellow owing to 
the formation of picric acid (trinitro-benzol), it does not redis- 
solve the albumin it precipitates, and it is consequently limited 
in its area of action ; nitrohydrochloric is very powerful ; hy- 



268 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

drochloric is the least active of the mineral acids ; glacial acetic 
acid is useful when a limited action is required. [Ricord's 
paste is composed of sulphuric acid and willow charcoal ; 
Michel's, of sulphuric acid and asbestos.] All the stronger 
acids unite with and coagulate albumin ; hence weak solu- 
tions, not strong enough to form a slough, which by its separation 
may cause bleeding, will, by coagulating the blood and so plug- 
ging the vessels, and by coagulating the albumin in the tissues 
and so constricting the vessels, act as astringents and haemos- 
tatics. [Citric acid is added to tablets of corrosive mercuric 
chloride so that when these are dissolved in making solutions the 
antiseptic shall penetrate into the tissues. Tartaric acid is used 
for the same purpose.] Diluted solutions of acids are cooling to 
the flushed skin of fever, therefore they are called refrigerants. 

Internal. — Mouth. — All acids have a peculiar taste, and give 
rise to a feeling of roughness about the teeth. As the saliva is 
alkaline they increase the amount secreted, consequently 
by keeping the mouth moist they allay thirst. 

Stomach. — It is believed that, if given during a meal, acids 
will check the flow of gastric juice, as that is an acid secre- 
tion. Nitric acid, however, interferes with the digestion Of 
proteids, as it combines with them. When the amount of acid 
secreted by the gastric mucous membrane is deficient, acids 
taken, after a meal, when all that the stomach can secrete . has 
been secreted, aid digestion. 

Intestine. — Acids quickly become converted into neutral salts, 
and are probably absorbed as such. Some, especially diluted 
sulphuric, preserve in the intestine their astringent action. 
They increase the amount of bile poured into the intestine, and 
are hence cholagogues ; this is especially the case with nitric 
acid. Nitrohydrochloric acid is a still better cholagogue, as it 
also increases the amount of bile secreted. 

Remote effects. — Acids may render the blood less alkaline, but 
never acid. They do this by combining with some of the alkali 
of the plasma. As high alkalinity of plasma and tissues favors 
metabolism, acids slightly diminish it. They also diminish the 
carbon [dioxide] in the blood. Phosphoric acid is believed to 



THE ACIDS. 269 

increase the amount of phosphates in the red blood-corpuscles. 
The administration of hydrochloric acid will increase the number 
of red corpuscles in chlorosis, but it does not alter the amount 
of haemoglobin. It is probable that in their passage through 
the liver they check the formation of urea. The reason for this 
belief is that all these acids, except citric, acetic, tartaric and 
lactic, are excreted in the urine — especially in flesh feeders — 
chiefly as ammoniacal salts. Nitric acid is stated to be excreted 
to a small extent as ammonia, and hence slightly to increase the 
alkalinity of the urine. Acetic, citric and tartaric acids are de- 
composed in the blood, alkaline carbonates being formed, and 
the alkalinity of the urine is increased. This has already been 
discussed {see p. 128). Lactic acid is either converted into an 
[alkaline] carbonate, or passed out as carbon [dioxide] in solu- 
tion in the urine. Some acids depress respiration in animals, 
and the respiration is restored by alkalies. 

Therapeutics of Sulphuric, Nitric, Hydrochloric, Phos- 
phoric, Acetic, Citric, Tartaric and Lactic Acids. 

External. — Nitric acid is more often used as a caustic than 
the others, for, owing to their great affinity for water, it is diffi- 
cult to limit the action of sulphuric and phosphoric acids ; and 
the remaining acids are not so powerful as nitric acid. It is em- 
ployed to destroy warts, condylomata, unhealthy phagedenic 
sores, cancrum oris, etc. [Nitric acid is used as Heller's test 
for determining the presence of albumin in the urine. At pres- 
ent his process is reversed, i.e., the urine is added to the acid.] 
Glacial acetic acid is used for small warts and corns. If this 
causes pain it may be diluted. Very dilute solutions are rarely 
employed for their irritant effects, but at some bathing establish- 
ments acid baths are used, but it is not proved that they do any 
good. Any well-diluted acid, especially sulphuric, may be ap- 
plied to check slight bleeding, as that of leech-bites, piles, etc. 
Vinegar can always be obtained ; even this should be diluted. 
In fever the skin is often bathed with vinegar as a refrigerant, 
and very dilute sulphuric acid is used as a local astringent in the 
sweating of phthisis. 



2jO INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Internal. — Mouth. — As acids damage the teeth they should 
be taken through a glass tube. Lemon juice or citric acid itself 
is often used to stimulate the secretion of saliva, and hence allay 
the thirst of fever patients. Lemonade is a favorite drink for 
this purpose. Lactic acid has been strongly recommended to 
dissolve the membrane in diphtheria, but there is no evidence 
that this treatment benefits the patient. Equal parts of lactic 
acid and water may be applied with a mop, or a spray of a 
strength of [i to 8] of water may be employed. Very dilute 
nitric acid has been used for the same purpose. Lactic acid is 
applied [more frequently than any other drug] with a brush in 
tuberculosis of the larynx, and in some cases with good results. 
It is usual to begin with lactic acid, 2 ; water, 1 ; and glycerin, 1. 
The strength of the solution is increased till at last lactic acid 
alone is used. Other accessible tuberculous ulcers — as those of 
the tongue and skin — may be treated in the same way. 

Stomach a?id Intestines. — Hydrochloric, and to a less extent 
nitrohydrochloric acid is of the greatest value in that variety of 
dyspepsia in which the acidity of the gastric juice is deficient. 
They should, as already explained, be given some little while 
after a meal. A very useful stomach mixture consists of diluted 
nitrohydrochloric acid combined with tincture of nux vomica, 
and some other stomachic, as compound tincture of gentian. 
Lactic acid has been used for the same purpose. Acids will 
often alleviate that form of indigestion in which the patient 
complains of acid eructations and heartburn. For this purpose 
they should be given during a meal or before it. They then 
check the excessive secretion of acid and restrain fermentation. 
An acid mixture sometimes benefits the indigestion of pregnancy, 
and small doses of hydrochloric acid may be prescribed during 
typhoid and other fevers, because the secretion of this acid is 
much diminished when the temperature is raised. Vinegar is 
often drunk to reduce obesity, but it only does so because a 
long course of any acid will set up a mild gastritis, and thus 
hinder the digestion and absorption of food. Carbonic acid, 
taken as an effervescing mixture, is a common and very effica- 
cious gastric sedative, beneficial, therefore, in painful dyspepsia 



THE ACIDS. 271 

and in vomiting. Diluted sulphuric acid may be used as a 
haemostatic in bleeding from the stomach or intestines, but its 
action is feeble. It is, however, successful as an astringent in 
many cases of summer diarrhoea. Nitric and nitrohydrochloric 
acids, increasing the amount of bile poured into the intestines, 
are given, and sometimes with much benefit, when it is consid- 
ered that dyspepsia is due to disordered function of the liver. 
Diluted sulphuric acid is often taken by workers in lead factories, 
as it forms an insoluble lead sulphate in the intestine and so pre- 
vents absorption of lead. 

Remote effects. — The remote effects of salts of citric, tartaric, 
and acetic acids have already been described (see p. 128). They 
are due to the increase in the alkalinity of the blood and the 
urine. Phosphoric acid is often given to weak, sickly, anaemic 
children with the view of improving the quality of the red blood- 
corpuscles, and possibly aiding the growth of bones, but it has 
not been proved to have any great value. The same may be 
said of lactic and phosphoric acids when given for diabetes ; 
indeed, the latter is said to do harm. [There is probably no doubt 
as to the value of lime and lemon juice in the treatment of 
scurvy.] Lime juice was formerly a popular remedy for acute 
rheumatism, but it did little if any good. Sulphuric acid is by 
some said to be anhidrotic in the night -sweating of phthisis, 
and had some reputation as a remote haemostatic, but it is rarely 
given now for these purposes. Aromatic sulphuric acid, with a 
little syrup and water, forms a pleasant cooling drink in fever. 
Rohrig found that acids diminished the tracheal secretion, and 
some physicians find that they diminish the secretions in bron- 
chitis. We thus see that the remote effects of all acids, except 
citric, tartaric, and acetic, are unimportant. 

Toxicology. 

All these acids are severe gastrointestinal irritants when given in toxic 
doses. Tartaric, citric, and lactic are very rarely taken as poisons. 

Symptoms. — These are severe burning pain extending from the mouth to 
the stomach, excoriation of the mouth with the formation of sloughs, great 
difficulty in swallowing, vomiting of dark-brown, coffee- colored material and 
shreds of mucus, intense abdominal pain aggravated by the slightest move- 



2/2 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

ment, generally obstinate constipation, but if the bowels are open the motions 
are dark, from the blood contained in them. Some of the acid generally 
passes down to the larynx, and causes swelling of that organ and consequently 
dyspnoea from obstruction to respiration. The patient becomes cold, collapsed 
and covered with a cold sweat ; his pulse is very feeble, and he suffers from 
great thirst. Post-mortem. — The mucous membrane of the mouth and oesoph- 
agus is softened and corroded, and whitish-gray sloughs and haemorrhages may 
be seen here and there. The coats of the stomach are softened. It is often 
contracted, and it may be perforated, the aperture being irregular. If the acid 
escapes into the peritoneal cavity, it may act on almost any of the abdominal 
organs. Should the patient have lived long enough, there may be corrosion 
and inflammation of parts of the small intestine. The mucous membrane of 
the throat and larynx is inflamed and swollen. 

Treatment. — Alkalies should be given at once, e.g., soap and water, lime 
water, magnesia, washing soda ; and then demulcents, as milk, white of egg, 
oil, linseed tea. Do not use the stomach tube if sulphuric acid has been taken, 
otherwise wash out the stomach. Morphine may be injected subcutaneously 
for the pain, and brandy [given] subcutaneously for the collapse. 

Class II. 

io ACIDUM SULPHUROSUM.— Sulphurous Acid. [A liquid com- 
posed of not less than 6.4 per cent, by weight of Sulphurous Acid Gas (Sul- 
phur Dioxide, S0 2 =63.9), and not more than 93.6 per cent, of water. 

Source. — Sulphuric Acid, 80; is heated with Charcoal, 20; and the 
resulting Sulphur Dioxide is dissolved in water. 4H 2 S0 4 -f-C 2 =4S0 2 -|-2C0 2 
+ 4 H 2 0. 

Characters. — A colorless liquid of the characteristic odor of burning 
Sulphur, and of a very acid, sulphurous taste. Sp. gr. , not less than 1. 035.] 

Impurities. — Sulphuric acid, and mineral matters. 

Dose, ]/ 2 to 2 fl. dr. ; [2. to 8. c.c] 

Action of Sulphurous Acid. 

External. — Sulphurous acid is strongly deoxidizing, and as 
it takes up oxygen so easily from organic bodies, it readily de- 
composes them, becoming itself converted into sulphuric acid, 
and hence is irritant, but not violently so, for the amount of 
sulphuric acid in proportion to the water is slight. It is a dis- 
infectant and deodorant; for in virtue of its property of 
absorbing oxygen, it destroys micro-organisms and arrests fer- 
mentation. When applied to the skin it is a parasiticide. 

Internal. — It is believed to act as a disinfectant in the 
stomach and intestine, but it is very doubtful whether enough of 



THE ACIDS. 273 

it to have any appreciable action in this direction can be safely 
taken. 

Therapeutics of Sulphurous Acid. 

External. — Sulphurous acid is chiefly used as an antiseptic, 
disinfectant, and deodorant. Sulphur [dioxide] is employed as 
a disinfectant for a sick-room after a patient with an infectious 
disease has been in it. The chimneys and windows should be 
stopped up. A quarter to half a pound [120. to 240. gm.] or 
more of flowers of sulphur [or better, one or two sulphur candles, 
now to be found in pharmacies] , are placed in an earthenware 
vessel and lighted ; the door is shut, and the cracks around it 
pasted over. The room should be left untouched for six hours. 
Generally not enough sulphur is burned for this method to be 
efficacious. Sulphurous acid [1 to 4] in water is locally applied 
to cure ringworm. Foul sores may be washed with it. 

Internal. — Sulphurous acid is sometimes given internally 
with the object of preventing abnormal fermentation in the 
stomach and intestines in certain varieties of dyspepsia, but there 
is no clinical proof that it can do this, and it should be remem- 
bered that it is possible it may do harm by impeding the action 
of the normal ferments. 

2. ACIDUM BORICUM.— Boric Acid. H 3 B0 3 [=6i.78. Synonym. 
— Boracic Acid. 

Source. — Native from Northern Tuscany, or made by the action of 
•Hydrochloric Acid on Borax by filtration and recrystallization. Na 2 B i O T -f- 
2HCH-ioH 2 0=4H 3 B0 3 -f2NaCl-j-5H 2 0. 

Characters. — Transparent, colorless scales, of a somewhat pearly lustre, 
or, when in perfect crystals, six-sided triclinic plates, slightly unctuous to the 
touch, having a faintly bitterish taste. Solubility. — In 25.6 parts of water ; in 
10 of glycerin ; in 15 of Alcohol. 

Dose, 5 to 15 gr. ; .30 to 1.00 gm. 

Preparation. 

Glyceritum Boroglycerini. — Glycerite of Boroglycerin. Syno- 
nyms. — Glycerite of Glyceryl Borate. Solution of Boroglyceride. 
Boric Acid, 310 ; Glycerin to 1000.] 

3. SODII BORAS.— Sodium [Borate. Na 2 B 4 7 + ioH 2 = 380.72. 
Synonyms. — Borax. Sodium Pyroborate. 



274 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Source. — Native, as a saline incrustation on the shores of certain lakes 
and as a crystalline deposit at the bottom of the Borax lake of California, or 
by boiling together Boric Acid and Sodium Carbonate and crystallization. 
4 H 3 B03+Na 2 C0 3 =Na 2 B 4 7 +C0 2 +6H 2 0. 

Characters. — Colorless, transparent, monoclinic prisms, or a white 
powder, having a sweetish alkaline taste. Solubility. — In 1 6 parts] of water ; 
in I of Glycerin. 

Dose, 5 to 30 gr. ; [.30 to 2.00 gm.] 

Action of Boric Acid and Borax. 

External. — Both boric acid and borax have the power of de- 
stroying micro-organisms and are thus disinfectant and anti- 
septic, but their value is slight, and they are much more active 
in preventing than in inhibiting decomposition. The action is 
extremely local. Solutions of boric acid will relieve itching. 
Neither substance produces any irritation. Boric acid is very 
largely used to preserve milk, butter and animal food. 

Internal. — Borax and boric acid check the action ot saliva 
on starch, but, if anything, they increase the action of the gastric 
juice and the pancreatic secretion. Large amounts, however, 
slightly retard digestion, and still larger are gastro-intestinal 
irritants. Boric acid is rapidly eliminated in the urine, it is said 
to increase the urea and the quantity of urine. Large doses 
[increase] the acidity of this fluid. It is also excreted in the 
saliva, sweat, and faeces, and it is stated in rare cases to cause 
abortion. In exceptional instances where large quantities have 
been applied to raw surfaces or mucous membranes, reduction of 
temperature, depression of spirits, feeble pulse, ecchymoses and 
vomiting have supervened. Harmful symptoms do not follow 
from taking food preserved with boric acid if the amount used is 
small, such as anything under [one-tenth of one] per cent., but 
they may follow if large amounts are used. It should never be 
used for solid foods. 

Therapeutics of Boric Acid and Borax. 
As they do not irritate, both these substances are largely used 
to keep wounds, ulcers, and sores sweet. The action is so local 
that they cannot be used to dress cavities. Boric lint is em- 



THE ACIDS. 275 

ployed to dress wounds. It is made by passing lint through a 
hot saturated solution of boric acid. Boric cotton is made the 
same way. Lister's boric acid ointment consists of boric acid, 1 ; 
white wax, 1 : paraffin, 2 ; almond oil 2 parts. A saturated solu- 
tion of boric acid (4 per cent. ), [or the glyceritum boroglycerini 
well diluted with water] may be used as an antiseptic wash. Such 
solutions are used for ozsena, vaginitis, urethritis, and ophthal- 
mia. Colitis is often benefited by washing out the large bowel 
with a quart [960 c.c] of a saturated solution of boric acid; 
sometimes tannic acid is added. Lister's ointment, or an oint- 
ment of boroglyceride, [(not official) glycerin, 92 ; boric acid, 
62 ; by heating], may be used for pruritus, sunburn, etc. Pow- 
dered boric acid blown into the ear is very useful in foetid dis- 
charges from it. Thompson's fluid (borax, 1 ; glycerin, 2 ; water, 
2), in the proportion of 1 to 8 of warm water, is commonly em- 
ployed to wash out the bladder in cystitis. [One of the most 
important antiseptic solutions is that of Thiersch. This consists 
of boric acid, 12 ; salicylic acid, 2 ; water 1000]. The glycerin 
[of the B. P., which is, borax, 1 ; water, 2 ; glycerin, 4;] and 
the honey of borax, [of the B. P., which is, borax, 2 ; glycerin, 
1 ; clarified honey, 16 ;] are excellent applications for aphthous 
states of the mouth, especially in children. The following is a 
good wash for the mouth : Glycerin of borax, [see above] 6 ; 
tincture of myrrh, 1 ; water to 48. 

Borax has been given in epilepsy, and its use is gaining 
ground. It is often prescribed with advantage in combination 
with bromides, but it is decidedly inferior to them, although in 
exceptional cases it may succeed when they have failed. As it 
is an antiseptic it has been given internally in typhoid fever and 
phthisis, but with doubtful benefit. Taken internally, it is said 
to relieve irritability of the bladder. In rare cases its use has 
caused either psoriasis, a papular eruption especially marked near 
the elbows, an erythematous rash, or eczema. Nausea, loss of 
appetite, vomiting, and diarrhoea may be produced. It has no 
effect on the intelligence. The taste is best covered with syrup 
of orange peel. 

Boric acid is not employed internally in medicine, [except- 



276 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

ing for correcting the fcetor of fermentative dyspepsia and in 
ammoniacal cystitis, where it is also used in solution for irriga- 
tion of the bladder.] 



GROUP XII. 

CARBON AND ITS COMPOUNDS. 

Class I. — [Drugs which Act Mechanically. 

Carbon, Petrolatum and Benzin. 

This class includes carbon in its three official forms, and the hydrocarbons.] 

I. CARBO. 

[C=n. 97 . 

1. CARBO ANIMALIS. — Animal Charcoal. Synonym. — Bone-black. 
Source. — Expose bones, deprived of fat, in iron cylinders, to red heat 

without access of air, and then powder them. 

Characters. — Dull, black, granular fragments or a dull black powder, 
nearly tasteless. Solubility. — Insoluble in water or Alcohol. 

2. CARBO ANIMALIS PURIFICATUS.— Purified Animal Char- 
coal. 

SOURCE. — Digest Animal Charcoal, 100 ; with Hydrochloric Acid, 300, 
and a sufficient quantity of water. Filter, wash and heat the residue to red- 
ness in a closed crucible. 

Characters. — A dull black powder, odorless, tasteless, and insoluble in 
water or Alcohol. It should contain no salts. 

Dose, 20 to 60 gr. ; 1.20 to 4.00 gm. ; y^ oz. ; 15. gm. or more as an 
antidote. ] 

3. CARBO LIGNI.— [Charcoal. — Synonym.]— Wood Charcoal. 
Source. — Wood charred without access of air. 

Characters. — [A black, odorless, and tasteless powder, free from gritty 
matter.] 

Dose, 20 to 60 gr. ; [1.20 to 4.00 gm.] 

Actiqn of Charcoal. 

External. — Dry charcoal absorbs gases and condenses them 
within its pores. It thus absorbs oxygen, and hence has an 
oxidizing power, parting with the absorbed oxygen to oxidize 



CARBON AND ITS COMPOUNDS. 2// 

organic and other substances. Organic matter is believed to be 
decomposed by aerobic micro-organisms which act by oxidation, 
and anaerobic which decompose directly, producing offensively 
smelling and toxic bodies. Wild suggests that the reason for 
the deodorant action of charcoal is that it converts anaerobic 
into aerobic decomposition. It attracts and oxidizes coloring 
matters, and consequently decolorizes them. It has no effect 
on living organisms, and is not antiseptic. 

Internal. — Formerly it was thought only to oxidize when 
dry, but to a less degree it has this power when moist, presum- 
ably because there is still some active oxygen in its interstices. 
It is passed in the faeces unchanged. 

Therapeutics of Charcoal. 

External. — Charcoal has been recommended as an antiseptic 
and deodorant for foul ulcers, etc., but it is a dirty preparation, 
and large quantities must be used. Charcoal is used in pharmacy 
as a decolorizing agent. 

Internal. — It has been given as a powder, as lozenges, and 

as biscuits, with the object of preventing fermentation in the 

stomach, but it is not of much use. Garrod has shown that a 

tablespoonful or larger doses of charcoal frequently repeated, 

are antidotes against most active vegetable poisons, as opium, 

nux vomica, and aconite, for charcoal seems to have a special 

attraction for alkaloids. Animal charcoal is the best form to 

give as an antidote. Charcoal is used as a tooth powder [but it 

should not be recommended because it abrades the enamel of 

the teeth] . 

[II. PETROLATUM. 

i. PETROLATUM LIQUIDUM.— Liquid Petrolatum. 

Source. — A mixture of Hydrocarbons, chiefly of the Marsh-gas series, 
obtained by distilling off the lighter and more volatile portions from Petroleum, 
and purifying the residue when it has the desired consistence. 

Characters. — A colorless, or more or less yellowish, oily, transparent 
liquid, without odor or taste, or giving off, when heated, a faint odor of Petro- 
leum. Sp. gr., about 0.875 to °-945- Solubility. — Insoluble in water; 
scarcely soluble in cold or hot alcohol, or in cold Absolute Alcohol ; but solu- 
ble in boiling Absolute Alcohol, and readily soluble in Ether, Chloroform, 
Carbon Disulphide, Oil of Turpentine, Benzin, Benzol, and fixed or volatile oils. 



2?8 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

2. PETROLATUM MOLLE.- Soft Petrolatum. Synonym.— Soft 
Petroleum Ointment. 

Source. — A mixture of Hydrocarbons, chiefly of the Marsh-gas series, 
obtained by distilling off the lighter and more volatile portions from Petroleum, 
and purifying the residue when it has the desired melting point. 

When Petrolatum is prescribed or ordered without further specification, 
soft Petrolatum ( Petrolatum Molle) is to be dispensed. 

Characters. — A fat-like mass, of about the consistence of an ointment, 
varying from white to yellowish or yellow, more or less fluorescent when 
yellow, especially after being melted, transparent in thin layers, completely 
amorphous, and without odor or taste, or giving off, when heated, a faint odor 
of Petroleum. If a portion of Soft Petrolatum be liquefied, and brought to a 
temperature of 140 F. ; 6o° C, it will have a specific gravity of about. 0.820 
to 0.840. The melting point of Soft Petrolatum ranges between about 104 
and 113 F.; 40 and 45 C. 

3. PETROLATUM SPISSUM.— Hard Petrolatum. Synonym.— 
Hard Petroleum Ointment. 

Source. — A mixture of Hydrocarbons, chiefly of the Marsh-gas series, ob- 
tained by distilling off the lighter and more volatile portions from Petroleum, 
and purifying the residue when it has the desired melting point. 

Characters. — A fat-like mass, of about the consistence of a cerate, 
varying from white to yellowish, or yellow, more or less fluorescent when yel- 
low, especially after being melted, transparent in thin layers, completely amor- 
phous, and without odor or taste, or giving off, when heated, a faint odor of 
Petroleum. If a portion of Hard Petrolatum be liquefied, and brought to a 
temperature of I42 F. ; 61. 1 ° C, it will have a specific gravity of about 
0.820 to 0.850. The melting point of Hard Petrolatum ranges between about 
113° and 125 F.; 45 and 51. 3 C. 

Impurities. — Fixed oils, fats of animal or vegetable origin, resin, and 
organic impurities. 

Action and Uses of Petrolatum. 

Petrolatum is used exclusively as a bland, neutral protective, 
and, because it does not become rancid nor act as an irritant, 
and as it is not affected by acids, alkalies or powerful reducing 
agents, it is employed as a substitute for fatty materials in oint- 
ments. But as it is absorbed with difficulty it is not a suitable 
vehicle for drugs which are intended for absorption through the 
skin. Liquid petrolatum has been used as a local soothing ap- 
plication in inflammation of the mucous, membrane of the nose, 
throat, larynx, and even of the bronchial tubes. It is then ap- 



CARBON AND ITS COMPOUNDS. 2JO 

plied with an atomizer and may be employed as a vehicle for 
medicinal substances. None of the petroleums are nutritive. 

III. BENZINUM. 

BENZIN. — Synonyms. — Petroleum Benzin. Petroleum Ether. A puri- 
fied distillate from American Petroleum, consisting of hydrocarbons, chiefly of 
the Marsh-gas series (C 5 H ]2 , C 6 H 14 , and homologous compounds). 

Characters. — A transparent, colorless, diffusive liquid, of a strong, char- 
acteristic odor, slightly resembling that of Petroleum, but much less disagree- 
able, and having a neutral reaction. Sp. gr., 0.670100.675. Solubility. — 
Insoluble in water; soluble in about 6 parts of Alcohol, and readily soluble in 
Ether, Chloroform, Benzol, fixed and volatile oils. 

Uses of Benzin. 
Benzin is used to obtain volatile oils by percolation, as a sub- 
stitute for ether in making oleoresins, for dissolving fats, resins, 
caoutchouc and some of the alkaloids.] 

Class II. — The Anaesthetics. 

Alcohol, Chloroform, Ether, and Acetic Ether. 

These substances produce local anaesthesia by evaporation. They are 
rubefacient if their vapor is confined. The stomach, heart and central nervous 
system are first stimulated and then depressed by them. [Amylic Alcohol, 
(B. P.) Ethyl Bromide, Bromoform and Pental, none of which are official, 
are considered in this class.] 

I. ALCOHOL. 

[Ethyl Alcohol. C 2 H 5 OH=45. 9 . 

Alcohol is official in the eight following forms :] 

1. ALCOHOL. — [A liquid composed of about 91 per cent, by weight, 
or 94 per cent, by volume, of Ethyl Alcohol, and about 9 per cent., by 
weight, of water. Synonyms. — Ethylic Alcohol. Spirit of Wine. 

Source. — Macerate rectified spirit with Anhydrous Potassium Carbonate to 
remove the water, then again with freshly fused Calcium Chloride, and distil. 

Characters. — A transparent, colorless, mobile and volatile liquid of a 
characteristic, rather agreeable odor, and a burning taste. Sp. gr., about 0.820. 
Boils at 172.4 F.; 78 C. Entirely volatilized. 

Impurities. — Resins or oils, detected by turbidity on dilution. 

Alcohol is used to make Chloroform. 

Preparation. 
Alcohol Dilutum. — Diluted Alcohol. Synonym. — Proof Spirit. 
A liquid composed of about 41 per cent., by weight, or about 48.6 per 



28o INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

cent., by volume, of absolute Ethyl Alcohol, and about 59 per cent, of 
water. Alcohol, 500 ; distilled water, 500. 

Characters. — The same as those of Alcohol. Sp. gr., about 
0.938. 

2. ALCOHOL ABSOLUTUM.— Absolute Alcohol. Ethyl Alcohol, 
containing not more than I per cent., by weight, of water. 

Source. — By percolation of the strongest and purest Alcohol through 
recently burned lime, out of contact with the air, then re-distil the percolate 
in vacuo. 

Characters. — A transparent, colorless, mobile, and volatile liquid, of a 
characteristic, rather agreeable odor, and a burning taste. Very hygroscopic. 
Sp. gr., not higher than 0.797. 

3. ALCOHOL DEODORATUM.— Deodorized Alcohol. A liquid 
composed of about 92.5 per cent., by weight, or 95.1 per cent., by volume, of 
Ethyl Alcohol, and about 7.5 per cent., by weight, of water. 

Source. — The foreign odors may be removed by distilling the Alcohol 
over about 2 per cent, of pure, fused Sodium Acetate. 

Characters. — As of Absolute Alcohol. Sp. gr., about 0.816.] 

4. SPIRITUS VINI GALLICI.— Brandy. 

[Source. — An alcoholic liquid obtained by the distillation of the fer- 
mented, unmodified juice of fresh grapes, and at least four years old. 

Characters. — A pale, amber-colored liquid having a distinctive odor and 
taste, and a slightly acid reaction. Contains 39 to 47 per cent., by weight, 
of Alcohol, together with a volatile oil and several Ethers. Sp. gr. , 0.925 to 
0.941, which limits it should not exceed. 

Dose, indefinite. 

5. SPIRITUS FRUMENTI.— Whiskey. 

Source. — An alcoholic liquid obtained by the distillation of the mash of 
fermented grain (usually a mixture of corn, wheat and rye), and at least two 
years old. 

Characters. — An amber-colored liquid, having a distinctive taste and 
odor, and a slightly acid reaction. Contains 44 to 50 per cent., by weight, 
of Absolute Alcohol. Sp. gr. , o. 9 1 7 to o. 930, which limits it should not exceed. 

Dose, indefinite. 

6. VINUM ALBUM.— White Wine. 

Source. — An alcoholic liquid, made by fermenting the juice of fresh 
grapes, the fruit of Vitis Vinifera (nat. ord. Vitacece), freed from seeds, stems 
and skins. 

Characters. — A pale, amber-colored, or straw-colored liquid, having a 
pleasant odor, free from yeastiness, and a fruity, agreeable, slightly spirituous 
taste, without excessive sweetness or acidity. Contains between 10 and 14 



CARBON AND ITS COMPOUNDS. 



28l 



per cent., by weight, of Absolute Alcohol, 
limits it should not exceed. 



Sp. gr., 0.990 to 1. 010, which 



7. VINUM RUBRUM.— Red Wine. 

Source. — An alcoholic liquid, made by fermenting the juice of fresh 
colored grapes, the fruit of Vitis Vinifera (nat. ord. Vitacece) in presence of 
their skins. 

Characters. — A deep red liquid, having a pleasant odor, free from 
yeastiness, and a fruity, moderately astringent, pleasant, and slightly acidulous 
taste, without excessive sweetness or acidity. Contains 10 to 14 per cent., by 
weight, of Absolute Alcohol. Sp. gr., 0.989 to 1.010, which limits it should 
not exceed.] 

Amount of Ethyl Alcohol by Volwne in Various Important Substances. 
[Alcohol Absolutum .... contains 99 per cent. 

Alcohol Deodoratum .... 

Alcohol 

Spiritus Rectificatus [B. P.]. 
Spiritus Tenuior (Proof Spirit) . 
Rum, Gin, Strong Liqueurs . 

[Spiritus Frumenti 

Alcohol Dilutum 

Spiritus Vini Gallici .... 
Vinum Album Fortius (U. S. P., 

1880) 

[Vinum Porteuse] 

[Vinum Xericum or] Madeira . 
Vinum Album . . 

[Vinum Rubrum 

Champagne 

Vinum Aurantii [B. P.] . 

Burgundy 

Hock 

Claret 

Cider 

Strong Ale or Stout .... 

Beer [or] Porter 

[Kumyss] 

Action of 

External. — It is a powerful antiseptic, preventing the for- 
mation of and killing putrefactive bacteria. If applied to the 
skin, alcohol quickly evaporates. It therefore cools the skin, 
which consequently becomes pale from the contraction of the 



it 


95.1] 


it 


94 


it 


90 


tt 


57.09 


It 


5H059 


it 


50 to 58] 


a 


48.6 


it 


46 to 55 


tt 


23 to 29 " 


a 


20 to 30 " 


ft 


l6 to 22 " 


a 


12.4 to 17.3 


tt 


12.4 to 17.3] 


a 


10 to 13 " 


n 


IO to 12 " 


" 


9 to 12 " 


" 


9 to 12 " 


a 


8 to 12 " 


" 


5 to 9 


tt 


5 to 9 


tt 


2 to 5 " 


a 

COI 


1 to 3 
IOL. 



252 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

small vessels ; owing to this less sweat is secreted. Alcohol is 
thus refrigerant, astringent and anhidrotic. But if evaporation 
is prevented in any way, such as by a watch-glass or a piece of 
gutta-percha, or the alcohol is rubbed in, it quickly absorbs water 
from the skin, and thus hardens it. Having thus passed through 
the epidermis, it dilates the vessels, causes a feeling of warmth, 
and produces a rubefacient effect. It has the power of coagu- 
lating albumin, but the coagulum quickly re -dissolves. It extracts 
water from all tissues. 

Internal. — Moteth. — When concentrated, alcohol produces a 
feeling of warmth, or often even a burning sensation, in the 
mouth. If held there for some time, the albumin of the super- 
ficial tissues is coagulated, and the mucous membrane becomes 
whitish, congested, and opaque ; but this appearance soon disap- 
pears, as the coagulum is re-dissolved by the fluids of the tissues. 
Directly [after] the alcohol is put in the mouth there is an increased 
flow of saliva, and the pulse may be quickened ; these results are 
reflex, for they occur before there is time for the alcohol to be 
absorbed. Alcohol has a slight local anaesthetic effect. 

Stomach. — Here also, if the alcohol is sufficiently concen- 
trated, there is a sensation of warmth or even of burning. If 
only small quantities are given, the gastric vessels dilate, the 
mucous membrane becomes red, and there is an increased secre- 
tion of gastric juice. All this [has been] seen to happen in cases 
of gastric fistula. The result of these effects is that the appetite 
is sharpened, and this explains the custom, common with many 
people, of taking a little alcohol immediately before meals, and 
also the common experience that alcohol taken during meals aids 
digestion. It also increases the activity of the gastric move- 
ments and promotes absorption. Thus there are several ways in 
which moderate doses of alcohol may help the digestive 
process, and Binz has actually demonstrated, by removing the 
gastric contents at stated times after a meal, that alcohol aids 
digestion, and by giving potassium iodide he showed that it in- 
creased the rapidity of absorption. In some cases it produces a 
local anaesthesia in the stomach, and so it may relieve gastric 
pain. It is to a slight extent decomposed into aldehyde and 



CARBON AND ITS COMPOUNDS. 283 

acetic acid, and consequently some of the pepsin, peptones, and 
proteids are precipitated. This hinders digestion, but usually 
not sufficiently to outdo the aid due to the vascular dilatation, 
the increased secretion, and the greater movement. The effect 
of large doses is very harmful. The activity of the gastric 
juice is destroyed, the gastric walls are inflamed, large quantities 
of mucus are poured out, and if the over-indulgence is continued 
chronic gastritis ensues, the gastric glands atrophy, and conse- 
quently we get the permanent dyspepsia of drunkards. 

A single dose of alcohol introduced into the stomach in a 
concentrated form, e.g., [clear] brandy, immediately produces 
important reflex effects. The heart beats more rapidly and 
more forcibly, the vessels of the whole body dilate, especially 
those of the skin ; hence there is a feeling of warmth. The 
blood- pressure rises. These reflex effects are well seen in the 
immediate restoration of a fainting person by the ingestion of a 
single dose of brandy. Diluted alcohol, e.g., beer, does not 
produce them. They are quickly followed by the effects of 
alcohol upon the circulation due to its presence in the blood 
after absorption. 

Intestines. — Here alcohol has a slight astringent effect, and 
consequently it may check diarrhoea. 

Blood. — Alcohol is absorbed more largely by the blood-vessels 
than the lacteals. It first increases and then diminishes the 
amoeboid movements of the white blood- corpuscles. It so acts 
on the red corpuscles as to prevent oxyhemoglobin from readily 
yielding up its oxygen, consequently it diminishes the oxida- 
tion of the tissues. This, in habitual drinkers of large quan- 
tities of alcohol, may lead to an imperfect combustion of fat, 
consequently it accumulates in the tissues, and obesity, which 
is often increased by the amount of saccharine matters alcoholic 
liquids contain, results. The skin acquires a velvety feeling. 

Alcohol is slightly antipyretic, lowering the temperature in 
fever. This is chiefly due to cutaneous vascular dilatation and 
rapidity of circulation, but also slightly, perhaps, to general dimin- 
ished oxidation. A litre, [about a quart] of Rhine wine of average 
strength produces by its oxidation about as much heat as five or six 



284 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

tablespoonfuls [100. to 120. c.c] of olive oil. Neither the intake 
of oxygen nor the output of carbon [dioxide] is altered by alcohol, 
therefore as it has been oxidized in the body it saves the tissues 
and is a food. Repeated observations have shown the proof of 
this, for moderate doses of alcohol diminish the output of urea 
and uric acid, 6 or 7 per cent. ■ and that it is a food is also proved 
by the fact that the weight of the body may be maintained if a 
large amount of alcohol is taken, even if the rest of the food is 
very small in amount. [Alcohol ceases to be a food when it is 
ingested in such large amounts that it cannot be completely oxid- 
ized. In this instance the excess is likely to be harmful.] 

If only moderate doses are drunk, very little alcohol leaves 
the body in the urine ; with large doses the case is different. 

Circulation. — The effects upon the circulation reflexly pro- 
duced by stimulation of the mouth and stomach have already 
been mentioned. After alcohol is absorbed it influences the 
heart markedly. It beats more powerfully and more 
rapidly, the pulse becomes fuller ; these results are due to the 
peripheral arterial dilatation and to a stimulating effect on the 
accelerator nerves. The vaso -motor system is acted upon, all the 
vessels of the body dilate, especially those of the skin; 
therefore, if he previously felt cold, the person who has taken the 
alcohol feels warm. The blood-pressure rises, the increased 
action of the heart more than compensating for the vascular dila- 
tation. [This is not true for dogs, as has been demonstrated in 
the laboratory (Long).] The direct effects of alcohol on the 
circulation after absorption appear more slowly and last longer ; 
but they are clearly similar to those due to the reflex stimulus 
from the stomach, and therefore they continue them. The re- 
sult of the increased circulation through the various organs is 
that they work to greater advantage, hence the mental faculties 
are brightened for a time, the muscular strength seems increased, 
more urine is passed, and the skin perspires. The person who 
has taken the alcohol, in fact, usually feels generally better for 
it. This is by no means always so ; some persons have a head- 
ache or feel very sleepy immediately after alcohol. This is 
probably because the vessels of the abdomen or skin have dilated 



CARBON AND ITS COMPOUNDS. 285 

so excessively that almost all the blood in the body is in them, 
and consequently there is very little in the brain. There are 
many individual peculiarities in the effects of alcohol. 

It has been repeatedly proved that these good results are but 
transitory. The heart, although at first stimulated, is more 
exhausted after the stimulation has passed off than it was 
before. This is also true of all the organs of the body stimulated 
by the increased circulation induced by alcohol. In many cam- 
paigns and arctic expeditions it has been found that although at 
first the men, after taking alcohol, could do more work, yet soon 
they felt so tired and exhausted, that on the whole they could do 
much more without than with the alcohol. Large doses of 
alcohol do not stimulate the heart at all ; they paralyze it, both 
reflexly from the stomach and after absorption. Enormous doses 
poured into the stomach kill almost immediately by reflex action. 
A drunkard who is " dead drunk " is, accurately speaking, one 
who is killed by the paralyzing effect of alcohol on the heart ; 
but the phrase is often applied to any one who is very drunk. 

Skin. — Alcohol is a mild diaphoretic, partly because of its 
vaso-dilator action, and perhaps also because of some direct in- 
fluence on the sweat-glands. As just mentioned, the cutaneous 
vascular dilatation leads to a feeling of warmth if the patient's 
cutaneous vessels were previously contracted from cold. It may 
be that part of the antipyretic power of alcohol is due to in- 
creased radiation from the dilated vessels, and also to evaporation 
of the increased amount of sweat. If a person is in a cold atmos- 
phere, alcohol, by increasing the radiation v from the skin, leads 
to the loss of so much heat that he may die from cold, although 
at first the increased cutaneous circulation, making him feel 
warmer, gives him a delusive feeling of warmth. 

Kidneys. — About 5 per cent, of the alcohol ingested — unless 
very large quantities are taken — is excreted unchanged, mostly 
in the urine, to a less extent in the expired air, only the merest 
trace in the sweat and none in the milk or faeces. Most of it is 
oxidized in the body. It acts as a diuretic ; probably this is a 
secondary result of its vascular effects, but it probably also acts 
directly on the glomeruli. 



286 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Nervous system. — Unless the dose be very large the whole 
nervous system is stimulated, perhaps to a slight extent directly, 
but chiefly as a secondary result of the vascular dilatation and 
cardiac stimulation. The highest functions are most affected. 
The person who has taken the alcohol talks more fluently and 
brilliantly, his wits are sharpened, he has a feeling of strength. 
If the dose has been large, the stage of exaltation of these or any 
other functions quickly passes into one of depression, the highest 
functions being affected first, and the stimulation and depression 
of function proceed regularly from the highest to the lowest. The 
action of alcohol thus illustrates both the fact that stimulation is 
usually succeeded by depression, and also the "law of dissolu- 
tion," which (seep. 104) states that functions which have ap- 
peared latest in the animal series or the individual are the most 
easy to influence, those which have appeared earlier are less easy 
to influence ; and so by regular sequence till we arrive at those 
functions which are first developed, which are the last to be in- 
fluenced. The stimulation and subsequent depression of func- 
tion, therefore, proceeds in a descending scale from the highest 
or least firmly fixed function to the lowest or most firmly fixed. 
Thus the power of judgment is abolished very early by alcohol ; 
this is so while the imagination, the emotions, and the power of 
speech still remain stimulated ; but soon the power of imagination 
goes, the patient loses all command over his emotions, he cries 
and laughs irregularly, but this soon stops. He next begins to 
lose control over his speech, talking incoherently and thickly ; 
shortly afterwards he cannot talk at all, but can only make a noise. 
Muscular movements, which are not so highly developed as those 
of speech, are next affected ; delicate, lately developed move- 
ments, as writing, feeding himself, etc., are for a time performed 
inco-ordinately, but soon they are paralyzed. Next the muscular 
movements, developed before these, are implicated, and the patient 
cannot undress himself or walk straight, and inco-ordination of 
these movements passes into the inability to do them at all. Next 
the activity of the reflex centres of the cord is abolished, the 
patient passes his urine and faeces [involuntarily]. Then the 
respiratory centre, which was previously stimulated, becomes 



CARBON AND ITS COMPOUNDS. 287 

paralyzed, breathing is difficult, and the face is livid. Lastly, the 
heart, which was also at first stimulated, is paralyzed, and the 
patient dies. The depression of the reflex centres of the cord 
accounts for the fact that injuries which would kill a sober man 
do not kill a drunken one, for the heart and respiration, owing 
to the general central depression, are not affected reflexly by 
them. 

Therapeutics of Alcohol. 

External. — Four parts of alcohol to one of water form the 
Lotio Spiritus of many pharmacopoeias. [Cotton] or lint dipped 
in it are applied to sprained joints, bruises, etc. The alcohol 
evaporates, cools the part, consequently the vessels contract, and 
inflammation may thus be checked. At the same time the local 
anaesthetic effect of the cold relieves the pain. In a similar way 
many varieties of headache may be soothed by bathing the fore- 
head with eau de Cologne or Bay Rum. Brandy or some other 
form of alcohol is often used to bathe the skin in order to harden 
it, by abstraction of water, and thus prevents the formation of 
bed-sores or cracked nipples. Spirit lotions dabbed on the skin 
may, by means of the vascular contraction produced, stop sweat- 
ing. Alcohol rubbed in, as in the use of Linimentum [Saponis] , 
is commonly employed for its rubefacient effect, to aid the ab- 
sorption of inflammatory products and relieve pain, as in chronic 
rheumatism, myalgia, etc. 

Internal. — Mouth. — A little brandy held in the mouth will 
be a local anaesthetic and relieve toothache. Alcohol is used as 
a gargle of port wine for its power of precipitating albumin and 
acting as an astringent in cases of chronic sore throat, excessive 
salivation, or inflammation of the gums. 

Stomach. — Because it increases the secretion of gastric juice, 
the vascularity and the movements of the stomach, alcohol aids 
digestion. It must only be taken in small quantities, for large 
amounts paralyze the secretion and cause gastritis, and ultimately 
lead to atrophy of the gastric glands. It should be given just 
before or during a meal. It is harmful in acute dyspepsia, but 
for the indigestion of the aged and feeble, or for those who are 
thoroughly exhausted by overwork, it is very valuable, as the 



2&8 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

stomach shares in the general exhaustion. It is also useful be- 
cause it increases the appetite. Owing to its anaesthetic property 
it may relieve painful dyspepsia, and may check vomiting, espe- 
cially if taken with carbon [dioxide], as, for example, in the 
form of champagne or brandy and soda-water, and because it 
increases the activity of the gastric movements it may relieve 
flatulence. A single dose of strong spirits poured into the stomach 
is often employed with great benefit for its reflex stimulant effects 
on the circulation for those who have fainted, or who are col- 
lapsed from cold or any other cause. 

Intestines. — Brandy and water will often check diarrhoea. 
Perhaps this is owing to the astringent power of the brandy. 

Fever. — Alcohol has been largely used in all sorts of febrile 
conditions. We have seen that it impairs oxidation by its action 
on the red corpuscles, that it is oxidized and is therefore a food, 
and that it is mildly antipyretic and diaphoretic. These results 
would be beneficial in fever. On the other hand, the accelera- 
tion of the pulse would be distinctly harmful, although it must 
be remembered that very often, for some unexplained reason, 
alcohol lowers the pulse in fever ; the indigestion caused by the 
taking of large quantities, and the liability to depression of the 
respiratory and cardiac centres, would be very undesirable. The 
best rules are that while alcohol may be given, often with im- 
mense advantage in fever, either to aid digestion, to slow the 
pulse, as a cardiac stimulant if the patient be much collapsed, or 
to produce sleep, yet it may, in any of the ways alluded to, do 
harm. Therefore, when it is being used, the effect must be care- 
fully watched, and if the pulse becomes quick and feeble, or, as 
indicating gastric irritation, the tongue becomes dry and brown, 
or the skin becomes hot and dry, or the breathing hurried, or the 
patient suffers from insomnia, the alcohol should be stopped. On 
the other hand, if the pulse becomes stronger and slower, the 
tongue and skin moist, the breathing tranquil, and the patient 
sleeps well, the drug is doing good, and may be continued. We 
have so many more powerful diaphoretics and antipyretics that 
alcohol is not often given for these purposes. Of all fevers it is 
most used for acute lobar pneumonia, and, speaking generally, 



CARBON AND ITS COMPOUNDS. 289 

it is most likely to be valuable when our object is to keep up the 
patient's strength for a few days only, till the termination of a 
specific fever of short duration ; but it is often given when it is 
quite unnecessary. 

Nervous system. — Alcohol may, as just mentioned, be used as 
a soporific in fever. Many persons who suffer from insomnia 
find that they can sleep better for a glass of whiskey and water 
just before going to bed, no doubt because of its depressant 
action upon the highest centres. 

Kidneys and skin. — Alcohol is occasionally given as a diuretic. 
Gin is the best form, because it usually contains some juniper, 
which is also diuretic. Although but little alcohol is excreted by 
the kidneys, it seems to be particularly irritant to the urethra in 
cases of gonorrhoea and gleet, and some authorities consider that 
chronic Bright' s disease may be induced by alcohol. Almost the 
only use made of its diaphoretic effect is as a help to cure a cold 
in the head, for which purpose a glass of strong spirits and water 
may be taken immediately before going to bed. 

Toxicology. 

Large doses of Alcohol will produce death, either instantly by reflex stop- 
page of the heart, or later by cardiac and respiratory depression after absorp- 
tion. 

Chronic poisoning causes so many diseases that it is really the part of a 
text-book upon medicine [to enumerate them.] Very often confirmed drunk- 
ards, particularly if they take much spirits, are very thin ; this is probably due 
to the fact that strong spirits cause such marked indigestion that sufficient 
nourishing food is not absorbed. Other drunkards are fat, especially if they 
drink beer. Chronic gastritis, cirrhosis of the liver, gout, peripheral neuritis, 
delirium tremens, mania, and perhaps chronic Blight's disease, may all be 
directly due to excessive indulgence in alcohol. It renders patients particu- 
larly liable to phthisis, and makes them bad subjects for withstanding any 
severe illness, especially pneumonia, or to undergo severe surgical operations. 
Alcoholic beverages contain other bodies than alcohol, which are probably 
partly responsible for these evil effects. 

II. [ALCOHOL AMYLICUM.] 
AMYLIC ALCOHOL. (Not official. )— C 5 H n OH==87.8i. Synonym. 
—Fusel Oil. 

Source. — Separated during the rectification of crude spirit and re-distilled 
at from 250 to 260 F. ; 121. 1 ° to 126. 6° C. 

19 



29O INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Characters. — A colorless, very inflammable, oily liquid, with a peculiar 
odor. Sp. gr. , 0.818. 

Amylic Alcohol is used to make Amyl Nitrite. 

Uses of Amylic Alcohol. 

Fusel oil is a poison, and is not used in medicine. The manu- 
facturers of cinchona alkaloids employ it as a solvent ; formerly 
it was required for the preparation of valerianic acid. 

III. CHLOROFORMUM. 

CHLOROFORM.— CHCl 3 =i 19.08. A liquid consisting of 99 to 99.4 
per cent., by weight, of absolute Chloroform, and 1 to 0.6 per cent, of Alcohol. 
Synonyms. — Chloroformum Purificatum.] Trichloromethane. 

Source. — Heat water and Alcohol in a still to ioo F. [37. 7 C], then 
add Chlorinated Lime ; [Chloroform distils over. It is believed that reaction 
takes place as follows : On bringing together Alcohol and Chlorinated Lime, 
the Chlorine converts the former into Chloral, which is at once decomposed 
by the Calcium Hydroxide, yielding Chloroform and Calcium Formate 
(Ca(CH0 2 ) 2 ). The Calcium Formate is decomposed by another portion of 
Chlorinated Lime into Calcium Carbonate and Chloride, and water. 2C 2 H 5 OH 
+ loCaOCl 2 =2CHCl 3 +7CaC] 2 +2CaC0 3 +Ca(OH) 2 -f4H 2 0. In late years a 
Chloroform quite free from Chlorinated bye-products has been obtained from 
the distillation of Acetone (from destructive distillation of Calcium Acetate) 
and Chlorinated Lime, from which Chloroform is produced, together with 
Calcium Acetate, Hydroxide and Chloride. 2(C 3 H 6 0)-|-6(CaOCl 2 )= 
2(CHCl 3 )+Ca(C 2 H 3 2 ) 2 +2Ca(OH) 2 +3CaCl 2 ]. 

Characters. — A heavy, clear, colorless, [mobile and very diffusible 
liquid of a characteristic, ethereal odor, and a burning sweet taste. Sp. gr. , 
not below 1.490. It imparts a green color to flame. Solubility. — In 200 parts 
of water, in which it sinks in heavy drops.] 

Impurities. — Hydrocarbons, shown by darkening with sulphuric acid, 
non-volatile compounds, shown by not completely evaporating, and by un- 
pleasant odor, acids, and free chlorine. 

[Purification. — Chloroform which fails to respond to tests of the Phar- 
macopoeia should be purified by the following process : Chloroform, 400 ; 
Sulphuric Acid, 80 ; Dried Sodium Carbonate, 20 gm. ; Deodorized Alcohol, 
4 c.c. Add the Sulphuric Acid to the Chloroform, contained in a glass-stop- 
pered bottle, and shake them together occasionally during twenty-four hours, 
avoiding exposure to bright daylight. Separate the lighter Chloroform layer ; 
add to it the Dried Sodium Carbonate, previously rendered anhydrous by 
heating it in a porcelain capsule on a sand bath until it ceases to give off 
aqueous vapor, and shake them together frequently and thoroughly during half 
an hour. Then transfer the Chloroform to a dry retort, add to it the Alcohol ; 



CARBON AND ITS COMPOUNDS. 2CjI 

and distil, by means of a water-bath, at a temperature not exceeding 153 F., 
67. 2 C., into a well-cooled, tarred receiver, until the distillate measures 
255 c.c] 

Dose, 2 to 20 m. ; [.12 to 1.20 c.c] 

Preparations. 

1. Aqua Chloroformi. — [Chloroform Water. Chloroform and 
distilled water, by agitation, there being always an excess of Chloroform 
present. _ 

Dose, 1 to 4 fl. dr. ; 4. to 15. c.c.^s^ 

2. Linimentum Chloroformi. — [Chloroform Liniment. Chloro- 
form, 300 ; Soap Liniment, 700. 

3. Emulsum Chloroformi. — Emulsion of Chloroform. Chloro- 
form, 40; Expressed Oil of Almond, 60 ; Tragacanth, 15 ; water to 
1000. 

Dose, 1 to 4 fl. dr. ; 4. to 15. c.c] 

4. Spiritus Chloroformi.— [Spirit of Chloroform. Synonym. — 
Chloric Ether. Chloroform, 60 ; Alcohol, 940. Strength. — 6 per 
cent. 

Dose, y^ to 1 fl. dr. ; 2. to 4. c.c] 

5. Tinctura Chloroformi et Morphinae Composita, [B. P., not 

official. Compound Tincture of Chloroform and Morphine.] — Intended 
to be an imitation of the proprietary medicine called Chlorodyne. [Mix 
Chloroform, 75 ; Tincture of Capsicum, 25 ; Tincture of Indian Hemp, 
100 ; Oil of Peppermint, 1. 5 j and Glycerin, 250 ; with Alcohol, 450; 
and dissolve in this Morphine Hydrochlorate, 10 ; add Diluted Hydro- 
cyanic Acid, 50 ; then mix with sufficient Alcohol to form 1000 parts.] 

Strength. — 10 m. [.60 c.c] contains chloroform 3^ m. [.045 c.c], 
morphine [hydrochlorate,] -^ T gr., [.0054 gm.], diluted hydrocyanic 
acid y 2 m. [.03 c.c] 

Dose, 5 to 15 m. ; [.30 to 1.00 c.c] 

Action of Chloroform. 

External. — Chloroform in many respects acts like alcohol ; 
but it is more powerful. Thus if allowed to evaporate on the 
skin it produces cold ; therefore the vessels at the point of appli- 
cation contract, and at the same time local anaesthesia is 
induced. If the vapor be confined, or if chloroform be rubbed 
into the skin, it acts as an irritant. The vessels dilate, the part 
becomes red, and there is a sense of heat. This rubefacient effect 
may pass on to vesication. It is a powerful antiseptic. [Chloro- 



292 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

form is an excellent antiseptic to preserve urine during trans- 
portation. Three drops, .20 c.c., to 4 oz., 120. c.c, of urine 
is sufficient. Allow the chloroform to evaporate before testing 
the urine.] 

Internal. — Mouth. — If concentrated, it produces irritation 
and a burning sensation. If diluted, it has a sweetish taste, 
which renders Aqua Chloroformi a valuable vehicle for the ad- 
ministration of nauseous drugs. It reflexly gives rise to an in- 
creased secretion of saliva, and is a local anaesthetic. 

Stomach. — The action of chloroform is very like that of 
alcohol. Large doses cause marked gastro-intestinal irritation. 
Small doses produce a feeling of warmth, dilatation of the gastric 
vessels, and increased secretion of gastric juice, and more regular 
and more powerful gastric movements. It is perphaps slightly 
astringent to the intestines. 

Absorption. —It is absorbed into the blood from the stomach 
and intestines, and, if given as vapor, from the lungs ; but it is 
very uncertain what changes it subsequently undergoes. Pro- 
bably most of it is decomposed, but some is certainly eliminated 
in the breath and some in the urine, and it may be found in the 
blood of those who have been poisoned by it. 

Temperature. — The internal temperature falls about i° F. 
[0.5 C] after the prolonged administration of chloroform. 

Nervous system. — Chloroform is an excellent instance of the 
law of dissolution (see p. 104), and also of the well-known fact 
that drugs which, in small doses, stimulate any part, in large 
doses often depress it. The phenomena resulting from the in- 
halation of chloroform are commonly divided into three stages. 

First stage. — This is, at first, one of general stimulation, the 
highest functions being the most stimulated, usually unevenly, so 
that the patient is somewhat incoherent. The imagination is 
momentarily excited, and he experiences a general feeling of 
warmth and comfort spreading over the entire body. The mind, 
from the irregular excitation, is confused. Sight and hearing are 
stimulated, he experiences sensations of light and hears noises. 
The stimulation of all these higher functions is very transitory, 
and he quickly begins to lose consciousness ; he may be aware 



CARBON AND ITS COMPOUNDS. 293 

that people around him are talking without knowing what they 
are saying, but soon he hears and sees nothing. Sometimes dur- 
ing the early part of this stage he may laugh or cry. The inabil- 
ity to see and hear is quickly followed by considerable blunting 
of general sensation. At the same time that these higher func- 
tions are being depressed the lower motor functions are excited ; 
he will kick and fight, throwing his arms and legs about, so that 
much strength may be required to hold him down, and he will 
shout and talk incoherent nonsense very louldly. Almost coinci- 
dently the stimulation of the lower centres sets in ; the pulse is 
increased in frequency, and there is throbbing of the heart and 
great vessels. The first inhalation or two may produce a choking 
sensation and a stoppage of breathing, which is often voluntary ; 
but soon the respirations are increased in frequency. The blood- 
pressure at first rises a little, and the face may be flushed. The 
pupils usually dilate. 

Second stage. — This is best called that of depression. Some 
authors call it the stage of excitement, because the excitation of 
the motor centres may be continued into it. It is important to 
remember that there is no sharp boundary-line between the various 
stages, they pass insensibly into one another. In this stage the 
depression of the highest functions continues, so that the patient 
becomes completely unconscious, and he appears to be in a deep 
sleep. He sees, hears and feels nothing, hence chloroform is 
called a general anaesthetic. The excitement of the motor 
functions passes into depression, and he ceases to shout and strug- 
gle. Some of the reflex centres are depressed, so that when the 
cornea is touched the eye does not shut. The pupil is contracted. 
The stimulation of the cardiac and respiratory apparatus gives way 
to depression, the pulse and respiration become less frequent and 
less strong. The vaso-motor centre is depressed, blood-pressure 
falls. As he cannot feel pain, and the reflex activity is so lowered 
that the heart will not be reflexly inhibited by the shock of an 
operation, this is the period at which to operate safely. 

Third stage. — In this there is a total abolition of reflex excit- 
ability. Even the lowest reflex centres of the cord are depressed, 
so that the patient may pass his urine and faeces [involuntarily] ; 



294 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

all muscular tone is abolished, and consequently the muscles are 
quite flaccid. Some of them, as those of the arm, were probably 
in this condition towards the end of the second stage. The 
pupil is widely dilated, probably because of the commencing 
asphyxia. This is the period to which the administration is 
pushed to facilitate the reduction of dislocations, or to enable 
the abdominal viscera to be felt through the abdominal wall. If 
still more chloroform is given the depression of the cardiac, respi- 
ratory and vaso-motor centres continues, the pulse becomes feeble 
and irregular, and the heart finally stops in diastole. At last not 
only its central nervous apparatus, but its muscular tissue is 
depressed, so that it will not respond to mechanical stimulation. 
The respiratory movements become slight and irregular, with 
very long pauses between them, and as a result the patient is more 
or less asphyxiated. The blood-pressure gradually falls to zero. 
There has been much dispute as to whether chloroform kills by 
the heart or the respiration. The Commission appointed by the 
Nizam of Hyderabad reported that it killed by depression of the 
respiratory centre, that respiration always failed before the heart, 
and that the fall of blood-pressure was not due to any effect 
on the heart. But their results have been disputed, and it has 
been shown -that the fall of blood-pressure is mainly due to a 
weakening effect on the heart. [In the United States it has 
been generally believed that death is from depression of the 
heart.] 

The recovery from chloroform also illustrates the law of dis- 
solution. The lowest functions, such as muscular tone, are the 
first to reappear ; but the patient does not usually regain his 
mental equilibrium for hours. 

With the exception of its local action on the skin and ali- 
mentary canal, and its last effect on the cardiac muscle, chloro- 
form acts entirely on the central nervous system, and this action 
is not the result of any effects on the blood. The peripheral 
nerves are not affected, unless it be just before death. Chloro- 
form narcotizes infusoria. 

Vomiting is very liable to occur during the administration of 
chloroform, and its advent is often made known by pallor and 



CARBON AND ITS COMPOUNDS. 295 

wide dilatation of the previously contracted pupil. Immediately 
before death the pupil may be either dilated or contracted. 

Therapeutics of Chloroform. 

External. — Chloroform is employed in the form of the lini- 
ment to produce rubefacient and irritant effects in cases of chronic 
rheumatism, myalgia and chronic inflammations. 

Internal. — It may be used as a local anaesthetic for tooth- 
ache, the tooth being plugged with a piece of cotton soaked in 
chloroform. It disguises the taste of nauseous medicines, and 
therefore Aqua Chloroformi is a very common vehicle and Spiritus 
Chloroformi is much used as a flavoring agent. In the stomach 
it acts like alcohol, and is given in the same varieties of dyspepsia 
as are benefited by that drug. Small doses may be used as a 
cardiac stimulant. 

Inhalation. — It is inhaled to abolish sensations of pain, 
whether from surgical operations, biliary, renal and intestinal 
colic, or parturition. In the last case [but little] need be given. 
It is also inhaled to relax muscular spasm, as in the reduction of 
dislocations or hernias, or for the relaxation of muscles for diag- 
nostic purposes, as, for example, when we wish to feel the abdom- 
inal viscera thoroughly, or to [ascertain] whether a swelling is a 
phantom tumor ; or, lastly, it is inhaled to relax spasm in cases 
of tetanus, hydrophobia, or other varieties of convulsions. The 
A. C. E. mixture, which consists of alcohol, 1, chloroform, 2, 
and pure ether, 3 vols., is very commonly employed for all these 
purposes. It is said to be safer than chloroform. All of its 
three constituents volatilize from it at an equal rate. 

The following points should be attended to in the administra- 
tion of chloroform : 

[1. The anaesthetizer must be skilled, and give his attention 
exclusively to the production and maintenance of narcosis.] 

2. The respiration and pulse should be carefully watched for 
any signs of failure. 

3. The operation should never be begun till reflex action is 
profoundly depressed — that is to say — till the stage of muscular 
relaxation has commenced. Many patients have been lost from 



296 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

neglect of this precaution, for the stimulus of the knife has 
reflexly stopped the heart. It is a common and dangerous error 
to think that, because the operation is trivial, it may- be begun 
early ; most of the deaths from chloroform have taken place when 
the operation has been slight. 

4. Great care must be exercised if the heart is fatty or feeble 
from any cause, or if the patient suffer from disease of the lungs, 
or if he may be very old. 

5. In operations about the mouth care must be taken to see 
that no blood gets down the trachea. 

6. It is desirable to have the stomach empty, therefore no 
solid food should be given for some hours before the administra- 
tion. The patient's head must be so directed during vomiting 
that no vomited matter can get into the larynx. 

7. False teeth should be taken out of the mouth. 

8. The chloroform must be pure. 

9. It should not be too concentrated. About 5 per cent, of 
chloroform to 95 per cent, of air is a good mixture. 

10. The hecto! should be a little raised, and the lower jaw held 
up so that the tongue shall not fall back over the larynx. 

11. Special care must be taken when the operation necessi- 
tates awkward positions, especially if respiration is interfered with, 
as in the lateral position used in obstetrical, [gynaecological] and 
renal cases, 

12. Because the temperature falls the patient should be kept 
warm. 

[13. Chloroform should never be administered without an hy- 
podermatic syringe, in good order, being at hand. Amyl nitrite, 
ether and ammonia should be in readiness.] 

If the breathing becomes very weak, or stops altogether, arti- 
ficial respiration should at once be commenced, the tongue being 
pulled forward by forceps to allow free entry of air to the lungs. 
The face and abdomen should be flicked with wet towels, a cap- 
sule of amyl nitrite may be inhaled, and ether injected subcu- 
taneously. [Brandy should not be administered hypodermati- 
cally. The heart may be stimulated by large rectal injections 
of hot normal saline solution, or of hot decoctions of coffee, if 



CARBON AND ITS COMPOUNDS. 297 

at hand.] It is [extremely questionable] whether galvanization 
over the cardiac area is of any use ; it [doubtless] does harm. [If 
symptoms of improvement do not appear at once, the patient 
should be inverted.] Artificial respiration should be maintained 
at least an hour or so, even if there is no sign of returning life ; 
and if there is the slightest evidence of a cardiac beat, or a single 
automatic respiratory movement, artificial respiration must be 
persevered in even for many hours. If the face be pale, the head 
should be lowered, and amyl nitrite is especially likely to be 
useful. [In spite of all care in administration and the observance 
of all precautions, one death takes place in about three thousand 
administrations. Hare and Thornton, after a painstaking series 
of experiments, believe chloroform to be safe for the majority of 
cases, provided it be given by one skilled in its use, and who not 
only knows how to give it, but to detect signs of danger. The 
respiration should be watched, because so soon as enough chloro- 
form is used to endanger the circulation, the respiration will show 
some abnormality. Death in the healthy animal is always due to 
respiratory failure, accompanied by circulatory depression which 
may be severe enough to cause death, even if artificial respiration 
be skillfully used. Chloroform may be chosen in hot climates ; 
when a large number of persons are to be anaesthetized ; in 
Bright' s disease ; in aneurism • or in great atheroma of blood- 
vessels ; in children or adults who already have bronchitis ; and 
in persons who struggle violently.] 

IV. AETHER. 

ETHER.— [(C 2 H 5 ) 2 0=73. 84. Synonyms.— Sulphuric Ether. Ethylic 
Ether. Ethyl Oxide. A liquid composed of about 96 per cent., by weight, 
of absolute Ether, and about 4 per cent, of Alcohol containing a little water. 

Source. — Alcohol is distilled with Sulphuric Acid. Ethyl Sulphuric 
(Sulphovinic) Acid and water are first formed. C 2 H 5 OH+H 2 S0 4 =C 2 H 5 HS0 4 
-J-C 2 H 5 OH==(C 2 H 5 ) 2 0-f-H 2 S0 4 . This process is theoretically continuous, the 
Sulphuric Acid last formed again acting on fresh Alcohol as it is supplied. 
The Ether is freed from water by re-distillation with Calcium Chloride and 
Lime. 

Characters. — A transparent, colorless, mobile liquid, having a charac- 
teristic odor, and a burning and sweetish taste. It is very inflammable, boils at 



298 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

about 98.6 F. ; 37 C, and burns with a white flame. Sp. gr., 0.725 to 0.728. 
Solubility. — In about 10 volumes of water.] 

Impurities. — Water, alcohol and fixed impurities. 

Dose, 5 to 60 m. ; [.30 to 4.00 c.c] 

Preparations. 

1. Spiritus jEtheris. — [Spirit of Ether. Ether, 325 ; Alcohol, 675. 
Dose, ^ to 1 fl. dr. ; 1. to 4. c.c. 

2. Oleum ^Ethereum. — Ethereal Oil. A volatile liquid com- 
posed of equal volumes of heavy Oil of Wine and Ether. Alcohol, 
1000; Sulphuric Acid, 1000 ; distilled water, 25; Ether, a sufficient 
quantity ; by distillation. 

Characters. — A transparent, nearly colorless, volatile liquid, of 
a peculiar, aromatic, ethereal odor, a pungent, refreshing, bitterish taste, 
and a neutral reaction. Sp. gr., 0.910. 
Ethereal Oil is used to prepare Spiritus iEtheris Compositus.] 

3. Spiritus ;*Etheris Compositus. [Compound Spirit of Ether.] 
Synonym. — Hoffman's Anodyne. [Ether, 325 ; Alcohol, 650 ; Ethe- 
real Oil, 25. 

Dose, 5 to 60 m. ; .30 to 4.00 c.c] 

Action of Ether. 

External. — Ether evaporates very quickly, producing great 
cold, and consequently the part to which it has been applied 
becomes white from the contraction of the vessels. The cold is 
sufficient to cause such marked local anaesthesia that the pain 
of slight operations, performed upon the part anaesthetized, can- 
not be felt. To produce this result ether is best applied as a fine 
spray. If it be rubbed in, or evaporation be prevented, it, like 
alcohol or chloroform, is an irritant. 

Internal. — In the mouth and stomach also it acts like chlo- 
roform or alcohol. Thus ether causes a burning taste in the 
mouth, an increase of the saliva, of the gastric secretion and gas- 
tric movements, and dilatation of the vessels of the stomach. 
Consequently it is carminative and aids digestion. Directly 
[after] it reaches the stomach it reflexly excites the heart, in- 
creasing the force and frequency of the pulse, and causing a rise 
of blood-pressure ; it is one of the best cardiac stimulants 



CARBON AND ITS COMPOUNDS. 299 

we have. In the same way it excites respiration. It is quickly- 
absorbed, and its stimulating influence on the heart and respira- 
tion is continued. It is thus a good instance of a rapidly dif- 
fusible stimulant. It is also anti-spasmodic. 

Nervous system. — Ether is a powerful general anaesthetic. 
The phenomena and stages of ether anaesthesia are so like those 
of chloroform anaesthesia that the description already given (see 
p. 292) will suffice. The following differences, however, should 
be noticed : 

( 1 ) The heart is paralyzed with much greater difficulty by 
ether than by chloroform. 

(2) The same is true of the vaso-motor centre. 

(3) And also of the respiratory centre. 

(4) Ether is much more irritant to the respiratory mucous 
membrane, and hence is more liable to increase bronchitis in 
those already suffering from it. 

(5) [Ether is much more likely to irritate the kidneys, and 
those suffering from the various forms of acute or chronic renal 
disease, or even from renal insufficiency, should be subjected to 
ether anaesthesia only when it is administered with the greatest 
caution.] 

(6) With ether the stage of stimulation is more protracted,, 
therefore there is more struggling. 

(7) For the same reason the anaesthetic stage is not reached 
so soon. 

(8) The reduction of temperature is greater with ether. 

(9) Ether must be given nearly pure, about 30 per cent, of 
air to 70 of ethereal vapor ; hence it is more difficult to ad- 
minister. 

(10) The smell of ether is more disagreeable, and patients 
dislike it more. 

(n) Ether is eliminated more slowly, and hence the [odor 
lingers] about the patient some time. 

(12) Ether being very inflammable cannot be used in the 
close neighborhood of a naked light. 

[Ether, on account of its greater safety, is more generally used 
as an anaesthetic in the United States.] 



300 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 



Therapeutics of Ether. 



External. — Ether, allowed to evaporate, may be used to 
cause local anaesthesia in cases of neuralgia. An ether spray is 
occasionally employed to produce local anaesthesia for small 
operations, but as the ether makes the skin hard, and brawny the 
operation must be quite superficial, and even then there is much 
subsequent tingling and pain. 

Internal. — Stomach. — It may be used for the same classes 
of dyspepsia as chloroform or alcohol, and is often employed as 
a carminative to expel gas in flatulent dyspepsia. 

Heart. — Administered subcutaneously (dose, ioto 15 minims) 
[.60 to 1. 00 c.c] or by the mouth, ether is an excellent cardiac 
stimulant of great value in fainting, cardiac failure, or palpita- 
tion ; its advantage over chloroform and alcohol being that it is 
more rapid in its action. It is very useful as an anti -spasmodic 
during an attack of asthma. 

Inhalation. — Ether is inhaled for the same purpose as chloro- 
form. There is great divergence of opinion as to which is the 
safer anaesthetic. All the published statistics in which the two 
are contrasted appear to show that ether is much safer, and this 
is what might have been expected from the contrast between the 
two already given. Chloroform is administered carelessly more 
often than ether, as it is easier to give ; but even allowing for 
this, ether is probably, on the whole, safer. The nausea and 
vomiting which sometimes follow the administration of ether 
may, it is said, be checked by giving 15 grains [1.00 gm.] of 
sodium bromide. Very often anaesthesia is commenced with a 
few inhalations of nitrous oxide gas, and then completed with 
ether. This is much pleasanter for the patient than to use 
ether from the first. 

V. ^THER ACETICUS. 

ACETIC ETHER.— C 2 H 5 C 2 H 3 2 [=87.8. Synonym.— Ethyl Ace- 
tate. A liquid composed of about 98.5 per cent., by weight, of Ethyl Acetate 
and about 1.5 per cent, of Alcohol, containing a little water. 

Source. — A mixture of Sodium Acetate, Sulphuric Acid and Alcohol is 
distilled. C 2 H 5 OH4-NaC 2 H 3 2 +H 2 S0 4 =C 2 H 5 C 2 H 3 2 +NaHS0 4 -fH 2 0. 



CARBON AND ITS COMPOUNDS. 3OI 

The distillate is purified from acid and water by digestion with Potassium 
Carbonate. 

Characters. — A transparent, colorless liquid, of a fragrant and refreshing 
slightly acetous odor, and a peculiar, acetous, and burning taste. Sp. gr., 
0.893 t° 0.895. Solubility. — In 8 parts of water; freely in Alcohol or 
Ether.] 

Dose, 20 to 60 m. ; [1.20 to 4.00 c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Acetic Ether. 

It acts like ether, as a stimulant, antispasmodic, and carmina- 
tive, but it has a pleasanter taste. 

VI. [METHYL BROMIDUM. 

ETHYL BROMIDE (not official).— C 2 H 5 Br=io8. 70. Synonyms.— 
^Ether Bromatus. Hydrobromic Ether. This must be carefully distinguished 
from Ethylene Bromide. 

Source. — From a well-cooled mixture of Sulphuric Acid, 12 ; and Alco- 
hol (sp. gr., 0.816), 7 ; to which powdered Potassium Bromide, 12, is added; 
this mixture is distilled. The distillate is washed by agitation, first with a 5 
per cent, solution of Potassium Carbonate, then with an equal volume of water ; 
finally it is dehydrated with Calcium Chloride and re-distilled. 

Characters. — A colorless, highly refractive, very volatile liquid having a 
strong ethereal odor and a sweetish, warm taste. Sp. gr., 1.445 to r -45 - It 
is easily decomposed by light and air. 

Action and Uses of Ethyl Bromide. 

Ethyl Bromide was introduced to the profession in 1880 as 
the most agreeable and rapid anaesthetic. Several fatal cases 
having been reported, its use was abandoned. Recently, how- 
ever, Cumston has recommended its inhalation, when pure, in 
doses of from 3 fl. dr.; 12. c.c. (child of two years), to 6 fl. dr.; 
24. c.c. (adult), for surgical anaesthesia. The following pre- 
cautions should be observed : Food, even a glass of milk, is ab- 
solutely forbidden on the day of operation. The mask should 
perfectly cover the mouth and nose, so that no air is allowed to 
enter. The entire dose should be given at once. When nar- 
cosis is complete, the mask should be removed, and under no 
consideration be re-applied. Do not prolong the administration 
over one minute. Sleep is obtained in from twenty to thirty 
seconds, and lasts from two to three minutes, sometimes longer. 



302 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

The contra-indications to its use are dangerous lesions of heart, 
lungs, or kidneys. 

VII. BROMOFORMUM. 

BROMOFORM (not official). — CHBr 3 =252.25. Synonym. — Tri- 
bromomethane. 

Source. — By the action of Sodium Hypobromite (which is obtained when 
Bromine is added to a solution of Sodium Hydroxide) on Acetone. 

Characters. — A clear, colorless liquid, of a peculiar odor, and a sweetish 
taste. Sp. gr., 2.90. Solubility. — Slightly in water, but readily in Alcohol. 
It must be kept protected from light. 

Dose, 1 to 5 m. ; .06 to .30 c.c. 

Action and Uses of Bromoform. 

Bromoform, an analogue of chloroform, is an anaesthetic. 
Inhaled, it produces anaesthesia in animals, but of shorter dura- 
tion than that of ether or chloroform. It is a remedy of value 
for whooping-cough, for which its pleasant taste and convenience 
of administration gives it great advantage. It can be given — 
bromoform, 1; in a mixture of alcohol, 8 ; glycerin, 48 ; and 
compound tincture of cardamom, 8. Each fluid drachm ; 4 c.c, 
contains about 3 minims ; .20 c.c. of the drug. Cases of poison- 
ing have been reported, so that it must be used with care. 

VIII. PENTALUM. 

PENTAL (not official).— C-H 10 =6q. 85. Synonym.— Trimethylethylene. 

Source. — If is obtained from Amylic Alcohol by digestion with Zinc 
Chloride for twenty-four hours, and fractional distillation. 

Characters. — A colorless liquid, very volatile, insoluble in water, but 
miscible in all proportions with Alcohol, Ether, and Chloroform ; highly in- 
flammable. Sp. gr., 0.620. 

Action and Uses of Pental. 

Pental is an anaesthetic, the equal of nitrous oxide in rapidity 
of action and perhaps safety, but superior to it in its more pro- 
longed action and in having no unpleasant after-effects. Even 
when insensibility to pain is reached, consciousness is retained 
sufficiently to respond to commands^ The stage of exhilaration 
is seldom present ; it does not lose its effect by repeated inhala- 
tions. It differs from chloroform in that it acts more promptly, 



CARBON AND ITS COMPOUNDS. 303 

and has no evil after-effects ; from ethyl bromide, in that it is 
somewhat slower in its action, but is more lasting in its effects, 
and can be prolonged as may be necessary ; from nitrous oxide, 
in its freedom from unpleasant effects. 

Two substances used to produce local anaesthesia should be 
considered. These are ethyl chloride {synonym, hydrochloric 
ether) and methyl chloride (neither official).] 

Ethyl chloride is an inflammable liquid of a low boiling- 
point and produces intense cold by its evaporation. It is sold 
in glass capsules terminating in a fine tube with a screw-capped 
point. When the capsule is held in the hand about eight inches 
from the part to be anaesthetized, the warmth of the hand vola- 
tilizes the ethyl chloride, and the vapor falling on the skin of 
the patient, by its evaporation produces enough local anaesthesia 
for the performance of small operations, such as the removal of 
warts, etc. All fat must be removed from the skin by soap and 
washing with ether. [The same objections apply to this, and 
the following as to ether, for the production of local anaesthesia. 
(Seep. 300).] 

Methyl chloride is used in the same way to produce local 
anaesthesia and to relieve the pain of neuralgia, etc. The vapor 
is allowed to play obliquely on the skin for four or five seconds. 

Class III. — Drugs which Dilate Blood-Vessels. 

Sodium Nitrite, Amyl Nitrite, Glonoin and Erythrol 
Nitrate. 

All these dilate the peripheral vessels, and increase the rapidity of the heart. 

I. SODII NITRIS. 

SODIUM NITRITE.— NaN0 2 [=68. 93 .] 

Source. — Made by heating Sodium Nitrate with Lead, which becomes an 
oxide, taking Oxygen from the nitrate. [NaN0 3 -f-Pb— NaN0 2 -|-PbO. 

Characters. — White, opaque, fused masses, usually in the form of pen- 
cils, or colorless, transparent, hexagonal crystals ; odorless, and having a mild, 
saline taste. When exposed to the air, the salt deliquesces and is gradually 
oxidized to Sodium Nitrate. Solubility. — In about 1.5 parts of water ; slightly 
soluble in Alcohol.] 

Dose, 2 to 5 gr. ; [.12 to .30 gm.] 



304 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Preparation. 

Spiritus ^Etheris Nitrosi. — [Spirit of Nitrous Ether. Synonym.. 
— Sweet Spirit of Nitre. 

An Alcoholic Solution of Ethyl Nitrite (C 2 H 5 N0 2 =74.87), yield- 
ing, when freshly prepared, not less than 1 1 times its own volume of 
Nitrogen Dioxide. In many commercial specimens there is very little 
Ethyl Nitrite. 

Source. — Dissolve Sodium Nitrite, 750, in water ; adding Deo- 
dorized Alcohol, 550; introduce into the containing flask, Sulphuric 
Acid, 520; previously diluted, and distil. Wash the distillate with ice- 
cold water, remove traces of acid by Sodium Carbonate, 10, dissolved 
in water ; agitate with Potassium Carbonate to remove all traces of 
water, and add sufficient Deodorized Alcohol. 

Characters. — A clear, mobile, volatile, inflammable liquid of a 
pale yellowish or faintly greenish -yellow tint, having a fragrant, ethe- 
real and pungent odor, free from acridity, and a sharp, burning taste. 
Sp. gr., 0.836 to 0.842.] 

Incompatibles. — Potassium iodide, ferric sulphate, tincture of 
guaiacum, gallic and tannic acids, and emulsions. 

Impurity. — Excess of acetic acid. 

Dose, y 2 to 2 fl. dr. ; [2. to 8. c.c] 

Action of Sodium Nitrite and Spirit of Nitrous Ether. 

External. — Spirit of nitrons ether evaporates when it is 
applied externally, and a slightly anaesthetic effect is pro- 
duced. 

Internal. — It combines the action of the ether with that of 
the nitrites contained in it. Because of the ether it is a dif- 
fusible stimulant, a stomachic and a carminative. Be- 
cause of the nitrites it acts like amyl nitrite ; but as the ethyl 
nitrite is so diluted, its action in this direction is feeble ; thus it 
only moderately dilates the vessels, and except in poison- 
ous doses probably does not affect the blood. The dilatation of 
the vessels leads to a diaphoretic effect on the skin, a diuretic 
effect on the kidney, and a lowering of arterial blood-pressure. 
The dilatation of the cutaneous vessels, the sweating, and perhaps 
the changes of the blood, produce a slight antipyretic influence. 
It is obvious that in these effects the nitrites will to some extent 
be aided by the ether. [Sodium nitrite possesses the same, but 
a more lasting, action as the spirit of nitrous ether.] 



carbon and its compounds. 305 

Therapeutics of Sodium Nitrite and Spirit of Nitrous 

Ether. 

For its diaphoretic and slight antipyretic effects it is com- 
monly given in mild febrile attacks, such as a common cold. It 
is also used as a diuretic in chronic Bright' s disease, and cardiac 
and pulmonary diseases accompanied by oedema [but for these 
purposes the sodium nitrite is preferable.] 

II. AMYL NITRIS. 

[AMYL NITRITE.— C 5 H n N0 2 =i 16. 78. A liquid containing about 
80 per cent, of Amyl (principally Iso-Amyl) Nitrite, together with variable 
quantities of undetermined compounds.] 

Source. — By action of Nilric Acid upon Amylic Alcohol. HN0 3 -(- 
C 5 H 11 OH=C 5 H 11 N0 2 -|-2H 2 0. Purify the distillate with Sodium Carbonate. 

Characters. — A clear yellow, or pale-yellow liquid, of a peculiar, 
ethereal, fruity odor, and a pungent, aromatic taste. Sp. gr., 0.870 to 0.880. 
Solubility. — Insoluble in water ;] soluble in Ether, Chloroform, or Alcohol. 

Impurities. — Free acid and amyl nitrate. 

Dose, [1 to 3 m. ; .06 to .20 c.c] cautiously inhaled from a handkerchief 
in which a glass capsule containing the Amyl Nitrite has been crushed ; \_y 2 to 
1 m. ; .03 to .06 c.c. internally, dissolved in alcohol.] 

Action of Amyl Nitrite. 

External. — Locally applied it diminishes the activity of the 
sensory nerves, but they quickly recover. 

Internal. — Amyl nitrite is rarely given by the mouth, so the 
following account will refer to the effects of inhalation. The 
effects of a single inhalation pass off in two or three minutes. 

Circulation. — From the medical point of view by far the most 
important effects of amyl nitrite are those produced upon the 
heart and vessels. Within a minute of inhalation the face 
flushes, the heart beats very rapidly, and violently, there 
is a throbbing in the head, and the vessels, e.g., the carotids, 
may be seen to pulsate actively. Headache, giddiness, dilatation 
of the pupils, and increased respiratory movements quickly super- 
vene. All the vessels of the body rapidly dilate, hence the flush- 
ing. They may be actually seen to widen in the ear of a rabbit 
or in the retina. This is due to a direct action on the muscular 
coats of the arterioles, for it happens if the cord is destroyed. 



306 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

The blood-pressure and arterial tension, of course, fall very low. 
The increase in the rate of the pulse is unaccompanied by any 
alteration in the force of the beat ; it is apparently due to a de- 
pressing influence on the inhibitory vagus centre ; [the vaso-motor 
paralysis will, however, produce a rapid pulse.] In toxic doses 
the heart may be arrested in diastole from direct action on the 
cardiac muscle. 

Respiration. — The rapidity and depth of respiration are at 
first increased, probably from central stimulation ; the respiratory 
centres are later depressed, the breathing becoming slower and 
shallower, and usually death finally occurs from paralytic asphyxia 
of central origin. 

Nervous system. — Many of the symptoms referable to the ner- 
vous system are secondary effects of the dilatation of the vessels 
of the brain and spinal cord, Such are the throbbing, sense of 
fulness, giddiness and headache noticed directly after inhalation. 
The headache may remain some time. If much has been inhaled 
there is unsteadiness of gait and general restlessness. The pupil 
dilates, and disturbances of vision are present. The motor cen- 
tres of the cord are profoundly depressed ; therefore after large 
doses reflex actions are abolished. The function of sensory nerves, 
motor nerves, and muscles is depressed by the local application 
of the drug to them, but not after inhalation until shortly before 
death. 

Temperature. — Amyl nitrite causes this to fall considerably, 
both in fever and health. The fall is due to the peripheral vas- 
cular dilatation, and if large doses are given, to the changes in 
the blood. 

Urine. — The drug probably escapes in the urine as nitrites 
and nitrates ; it is slightly diuretic, and may cause glycosuria, 
due, it is said, to dilatation of the vessels of the liver or of the 
medulla. 

Blood. — Nitrites, given in medicinal doses, circulate as sodium 
nitrite. Outside the body they greatly diminish oxidation, and 
the same takes place in the blood. After the inhalation of a 
considerable amount (more than is usually given to a man) the 
arterial and venous blood both become a uniform chocolate color. 



CARBON AND ITS COMPOUNDS. 307 

This is due to the formation of methaemoglobin and another body, 
nitric oxide haemoglobin. The haemoglobin can no longer ab- 
sorb oxygen, and hence its oxidizing power is abolished. It is 
by this action on the blood that, in man, nitrites kill, not by 
their vaso-dilator action ; therefore the treatment for poisoning 
by them is inhalation of oxygen, that more may be dissolved in 
the plasma. In some of the lower animals they kill by acting 
as a direct poison to animal tissues. 

Therapeutics of Amyl Nitrite. 

Heart and blood-vessels. — Brunton in 1867 observed that in a 
[patient suffering from] angina pectoris the peripheral vessels 
were strongly contracted during an attack of pain. This induced 
him to make the patient inhale amyl nitrite, and it was found 
that the vessels dilated and the pain passed off. Inhalation of 
amyl nitrite is now used for all sorts of cardiac pain, especially 
when it comes on in paryoxysms. Generally the drug affords re- 
lief in a minute or so after inhalation, but by no means always. 
We do not sufficiently understand the pathology of angina pec- 
toris to know how it acts. It may be by dilating the peripheral 
vessels ; but against that view is the fact that they are not always 
contracted during attacks of angina pectoris, and amyl nitrite 
may relieve patients in whom the vessels are not contracted. 
The attacks of pain common in thoracic aneurism may be re- 
lieved by it. It is used to avert the dangerous pallor sometimes 
seen during the administration of chloroform, and may be in- 
haled for other forms of syncope. The peculiar hot flushes ex- 
perienced by some women during the menopause are benefited by 
inhalation of it ; [this is probably untrue.] 

Nervous system. — If it is inhaled when the aura is felt, an 
epileptic fit may sometimes be prevented, and it has also been 
found useful during the status epileptic us. Because in migraine 
the vessels of the head are contracted, it has been used, and 
sometimes successfully, for this complaint. Its depressing action 
on the cord has suggested its employment in tetanus and strych- 
nine poisoning. 

Occasionally the inhalation of amyl nitrite relieves an attack 



308 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

of asthma. It has been given in whooping-cough, sea sickness 
and cholera, but without much good effect. 

III. [GLONOINUM. 

SPIRITUS GLONOINL— Spirit of Glonoin. Synonym.— Spirit of 
Nitroglycerin. An alcoholic solution of Glonoin, Glyceryl (or Propenyl) 
trinitrate, Nitroglycerin, or Trinitrin ; C 3 H 5 (N0 3 ) 3 =226.58, containing I per 
cent., by weight, of the substance. 

Source. — Nitroglycerin is prepared by gradually adding dehydrated 
Glycerin to Nitric and strong Sulphuric Acid, the result being Propenyl tri- 
nitrate or Trinitroglycerin. C 3 H 5 (OH) 3 -}-3HN03=C3H 5 (N0 3 ) 3 +3H 2 0. It 
separates as an oily layer which is washed with water and with dilute soda so- 
lution to remove all acid. 

Characters. — A clear, colorless liquid, possessing the odor and taste of 
Alcohol. Caution should be exercised in tasting it, since even a small quan- 
tity of it is liable to produce a violent headache. The same effect is produced 
when it is freely applied to the skin. Sp. gr., 0.826 to 0.832. 

Dose, 1 to 3 m. ; .06 to .20 c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Glonoin. 

Its action is the same as that of amyl nitrite, except that in 
many animals, and probably in man, large doses do not form 
methaemoglobin in the blood ; the effects of [spirit of] glonoin are 
more persistent, and as it is only suitable for internal ad- 
ministration, they are slower in their onset. It is largely taken 
by persons liable to cardiac pains with the object of warding off 
the attack, and often such persons require and bear large doses. 
[Its most important use is for the relief of symptoms associated 
with the high tension pulse of chronic renal degeneration. 
Here the dose should be rapidly increased until relief is ob- 
tained.] Occasionally it does good in asthma. It is really a 
glycerin nitrate, but certainly physiologically it belongs to the 
class of nitrites ; therefore, probably, directly it gets into the 
body sodium nitrite is formed. 

IV. ERYTHROL NITRATE. 

ERYTHROL NITRAS.— Erythrol Nitrate (not official), [(CH 2 ON0 2 ) 
2(CHO.N0 2 ) 2 =28i.44.] Synonym. — Erythrol Tetranitrate. 
[Source.— By the nitration of Erythrite (C 4 H 6 (OH 4 ).] 



CARBON AND ITS COMPOUNDS. 3O9 

Characters. — Hard, colorless, acicular crystals. Solubility. — Insoluble 
in water ; in 60 [parts] Absolute Alcohol. 
Dose, y z to 1 gr. ; .03 to .06 gm.] 

Action and Uses of Erythrol Nitrate. 

Erythrol nitrate has the same action as nitrites. It is less 
powerful than amyl nitrite and nitroglycerin. It is best given 
in chocolate tablets, and, as its action is slow, it is the best of 
this group for [the relief of some symptoms of] Bright's disease. 

Class IV. — The Hypnotics. 

Chloral and Paraldehyde. 

[Besides these the following drugs are considered : Butyl-Chloral Hydrate 
Chloralamide, Chloretone, Chloralose, Amylene Hydrate, Sulphonal, Trional 
and Urethane; none of which are official]. 

I. CHLORAL. 

CHLORAL.— C 2 HC1 3 0+H 2 0[=i64.97. Synonym.— Chlora Hydrate. 

Source. — Absolute Alcohol is saturated with dry Chlorine ; Aldehyde and 
Hydrochloric Acid are first formed. C 2 H 5 0H+C1 2 =C 2 H 4 0+2HC1. By 
the continued action of the Chlorine Gas 3 atoms of Hydrogen are abstracted 
from the Aldehyde and replaced by 3 atoms of Chlorine, producing Chloral. 
C 2 H 4 0-f 3Cl=C 2 HCl 3 0-f 3HCI. It is purified by Sulphuric Acid, and after- 
wards by Lime. 

Characters. — Separate, rhomboidal, colorless and transparent crystals, 
having an aromatic, penetrating and slightly acid odor, and a bitterish, caustic 
taste. Easily melted by gentle heat. Solubility. — Freely in water, Alcohol 
and Ether. ] Forms a liquid when rubbed up with an equal weight of camphor. 

Ixcompatibles. — All alkalies decompose it. 

Impurities. — Hydrochloric Acid and oily impurities. 

Dose, 5 to 20 gr. ; [.30 to 1.20 gm.] 

[The U. S. P. is in error in naming the crystalline product, as above de- 
scribed, chloral ; it is actually chloral hydrate, for the molecule of water is 
necessary for crystallization. Chloral really is an oily liquid. Whenever 
chloral is mentioned in this book, chloral hydrate is intended.] 

Action of Chloral. 

External. — It is a powerful antiseptic. Locally applied 
it is irritant, causing vesication. [Chloral rubbed up with equal 
parts of menthol and camphor is a local anodyne.] 

Internal. — Alimentary canal. — Unless diluted, chloral is a 



3IO INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

gastric irritant; large doses, therefore, may give rise to vomiting 
and purging. 

Blood. — It is readily absorbed, and circulates in the blood 
unchanged. It was formerly thought that as alkalies convert it 
into chloroform and formic acid, this change would take place in 
the blood, and consequently Liebreich suggested its use as an 
hypnotic. It is now known that this view is wrong, for no chlo- 
roform can be found in the blood of chloralized animals, nor in 
the urine unless that fluid is alkaline, in which case chloral is 
decomposed by the alkali in the urine. 

Circulation. — Chloral depresses the heart, large doses 
having this action to a considerable degree. This is due to a 
local effect on the organ itself; probably both the muscular sub- 
stance and the nerves contained in it are affected. The pulse, 
which may at first be slightly quickened, soon becomes slow, 
feeble, and irregular, and the heart finally stops in diastole. The 
vaso-motor centre is depressed, and consequently the ves- 
sels dilate. As a result of these actions on the heart and the 
vessels the blood-pressure falls. 

Respiration. — After large doses the respirations become slow 
and full, and after toxic doses they become irregular and shallow 
before finally ceasing. This is due to the action of chloral on 
the respiratory centre. 

Temperature. — Large doses cause this to fall, probably by 
diminishing the production of heat. 

Brain. — Chloral is a powerful hypnotic, acting directly 
on the brain. The stage of excitation, if it exists, is very short. 
Soon after taking a moderate dose the patient is overcome by 
sleep, which lasts several hours, and is indistinguishable from 
natural sleep. On waking there is neither confusion nor head- 
ache, and he feels refreshed. Large doses produce coma. The 
pupil is always contracted. 

Spinal cord. — At first the anterior cornua may be slightly 
stimulated, but soon they are depressed, and there is consequently 
paralysis and loss of reflex excitability. The motor nerves and 
the muscles are not affected, nor are the sensory nerves unless the 
dose is very large, when there may be anaesthesia. 



CARBON AND ITS COMPOUNDS. 3 I I 

It will be observed that chloral is a powerful general de- 
pressant, chiefly of the cerebrum, but also of the respiratory 
centre, the vaso-motor centre, the anterior cornua, of the produc- 
tion of heat, and the heart. It is only because it depresses the 
cerebrum much earlier than any other part of the body that we 
can use it as an hypnotic. 

Therapeutics of Chloral. 

External. — The compound with camphor [equal weights of 
camphor and chloral rubbed together to form a liquid] has been 
employed as a local anodyne for neuralgia, and may be applied 
to aching teeth. [To this menthol can be advantageously added.] 

Internal. — Chloral is largely used for its hypnotic effect. 
Its great advantages over many other hypnotics are that doses 
sufficient to produce a deep sleep are not large enough to cause 
gastro-intestinal irritation, cardiac and respiratory depression, 
and the other harmful effects. Chloral is certain in its action 
[in that] it quickly produces sleep ; and there are [usually] no 
bad after-effects. [Chloral is far from being a safe hypnotic ; it ^ 
depresses the heart so markedly that the prescriber should be 
always upon his guard.] Children take it well. [Its unpleasant 
taste can be concealed by administration in bottled "lemon 
soda."] 

It is especially useful in simple insomnia from overwork, 
worry, etc. Its disadvantages are that it does not relieve pain at 
all, and it should therefore not be used for insomnia due to this 
cause : and that, as it depresses the heart and respiration, it must 
be given carefully in diseases of the heart and lungs, and also 
when the stomach or intestines are diseased, as it may irritate 
these structures. In febrile insomnia it is very valuable in the 
early stages, but must be given cautiously, later, when there is any 
danger of cardiac weakness. It does not relieve the distress and 
cough of disease of the heart and lungs. It has been used as a 
cerebral depressant in delirium tremens, puerperal convulsions, 
and mania, but very large doses are required, and consequently 
the results must be watched with great care. [A very important 
use of chloral is in midwifery ; here it has been designated the 



312 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

medicinal forceps. Frequently after rest has been obtained by 
this drug, labor proceeds vigorously and is rapidly terminated.] 

From its action on the spinal cord, chloral has been used, and 
sometimes with success, in tetanus, whooping-cough, inconti- 
nence of urine and strychnine poisoning. 

[Hypnal is a compound of chloral with antipyrin, made by 
mixing their solutions, and is obtained in crystalline form. It was 
proposed by Bardet as a hypnotic, more certain than chloral, 
nearly free from taste, entirely free from irritating effect upon 
the mucous membranes, and having distinct analgesic effects. It 
has been but little used. The dose is about 15 gr. ; 1.00 gm.] 

Toxicology. 

Acute Poisoning. — As will be inferred from the action of chloral, the 
symptoms of poisoning by it [closely resemble those of opium. They] are 
deep coma ; a weak, feeble, irregular, slow pulse, which may become quick 
before death ; diminished frequency of respiration and consequent lividity ; 
and abolition of reflex movements. The surface of the skin is cold, and the 
temperature is subnormal. [The pulse should always be carefully watched 
whenever chloral has been administered. It frequently happens that symp- 
toms of failing heart come on unexpectedly even after small doses.] 

Treatment. — Give emetics {see p. 139) or wash out the stomach. Keep up 
the temperature by hot bottles, hot blankets, friction and massage. Prevent 
sleep by the injection of hot, strong coffee into the rectum, shouting at the 
patient, hitting him, flapping with wet towels, bathing, etc. Give a subcu- 
taneous injection of strychnine, because of its stimulant action on the anterior 
cornua. Use inhalations of amyl nitrite to stimulate the heart, and artificial 
respiration if necessary. 

Chronic Poisoning. — The taking of chloral is a vice to which many per- 
sons are addicted. A craving for it is soon established. The chief symptoms 
of chronic chloral poisoning are gastro-intestinal irritation, a great liability to 
erythematous eruptions, dyspnoea dependent upon the cardiac and respiratory 
depression and general weakness. There may be disturbance of the mental 
equilibrium, and persons have been known to become permanently weak- 
minded. A slightly larger dose than usual may be quickly fatal. 

II. BUTYL-CHLORAL HYDRAS. 

BUTYL-CHLORAL HYDRATE. [E. P., not official].— C 4 H 5 C1 3 
0-|-H 2 0— [192.91.] Synonym. — Croton Chloral Hydrate. (This is a mis- 
nomer. ) 

Source. — Dry Chlorine Gas is passed through Aldehyde. Butyl-chloral 
(C 4 H 5 C1 3 0) is formed. It is separated by fractional distillation, and water is 
added. 



CARBON AND ITS COMPOUNDS. 313 

Characters. — Pearly-white, crystalline scales, with a nauseous taste and 
a pungent odor like chloral. Sohcbility. — In 50 parts of water; freely in Al- 
cohol and Glycerin. 

Incompatibles. — All alkalies. 

Dose, 5 to 20 gr. ; [.30 to 1.20 gm.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Butyl-Chloral Hydrate. 

The action of this drug is exactly similar to that of chloral, 
but butyl-chloral hydrate is less certain in its effects. It is said 
to be less depressant to the heart, but this is doubtful. It has a 
specific action in relieving neuralgia of the fifth nerve. 

III. CHLORAL [FORMAMIDATUM. 

CHLORAL FORMAMIDE. (Not official. )—CCl 3 CH. OH. CONH 2 
=191.95. Synonym. — Chloralamide. 

Source. — By the combination of Chloral and Formamide. CCl 3 CHO-(- 
CH0NH 2 =CC1 3 CH. OH. CONH 2 . ] 

Characters. — Shining colorless crystals, [without odor and of a slightly 
bitter taste. Solubility. — Slowly, in about 20 parts of water, in 1.5 parts of 
Alcohol, and in weak acid solutions. It should not be heated over 140 F. ; 
6o° C, or mixed with alkalies, for, in either case, it decomposes into Chloral. 

Dose, 10 to 30 gr. ; .60 to 2.00 gm.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Chloralamide. 

Chloralamide is an excellent hypnotic, producing calm, re- 
freshing sleep without any bad after-effects. Frequent use does 
not necessitate an increased dose, nor, as far as known, is any 
habit contracted. It does not relieve pain, but is equally service- 
able for all varieties of insomnia, unless due to pain. If possible 
it should not be given as a powder, for it is then so very slowly 
absorbed that probably some of it is decomposed in the intes- 
tines or stomach ; [very rarely] , when powdered chloralamide 
has been administered in the evening, the patient has not slept 
during the night, but has slept all the next day, because the drug 
has been so slowly absorbed. The best way to give it is to dis- 
solve it in a little alcohol. The patient may be told to dissolve 
20 gr. ; [1.20 gm.] or more, in sufficient brandy, to add water 
not above 130 F. ; 54. 4 C, and drink it before going to bed. 
Some specimens are very insoluble, and must be suspended. It 
is said that 10 minims [.60 c.c] of aromatic sulphuric acid added 



3I4 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

to i fl. oz. ; [30 c.c] of water will dissolve 30 gr. ; [2 gm.] of 
chloralamide, but this is not always true. It acts if given as an 
enema. Fifteen grains [1.00 gm.] of potassium bromide and 
chloralamide, flavored with tincture of orange [peel] and chloro- 
form water has been strongly recommended for insomnia and for 
sea-sickness. This mixture resembles a proprietary preparation 
called Chlorobrom. 

IV. [CHLORETONUM. 

CHLORETONE. (Not official.) Synonyms. — Trichlor-tertiary Butyl 
Alcohol. Acetone-Chloroform. 

Source. — From equal weights of Acetone and Chloroform when Caustic 
Potash is added. 

Characters. — A white crystalline powder having a camphoraceous odor. 
Solubility. — Sparingly in water ; very soluble in Chloroform, Alcohol and Ether. 

Dose, 5 to 20 gr. ; .30 to 1.20 gm. 

Action of Chloretone. 

Without markedly influencing respiration or blood -pressure it 
produces anaesthesia and sleep. It directly affects sensory nerves, 
and so may be used as a local anaesthetic. If the dose by the 
mouth is excessive dogs may sleep for several days, finally suc- 
cumbing from asphyxia. Since neither acetone nor chloroform 
are found in the expired air or the urine, and the chlorides are 
increased in the latter, it is probably broken up in the body. 

Therapeutics of Chloretone. 

In one per cent, solution it may be applied as a local anaes- 
thetic to ulcers and infected wounds. Internally, its chief use 
is as a hypnotic, which is both safe and generally efficient. In 
moderate doses it promptly relieves irritability of the stomach.] 

V. [ANHYDROGLUCO-CHLORAL. 

CHLORALOSE. Not official.— C 8 H n Cl 3 6 =259. 85. 

Source. — By heating together Anhydrous Chloral and Glucose, the soluble 
Chloralose is formed which crystallizes. QHClgO-^CgH^Og^CgH^ClgOg-f- 
H 2 0. 

Characters. — In small crystals, having a bitter and disagreeable, but not 
acrid taste. Solubility. — Freely in hot, slightly in cold water. 

Dose, 2 to 4 gr. ; .12 to .25 gm. 



CARBON AND ITS COMPOUNDS. 3 I 5 

Action and Therapeutics of Chloralose. 

Chloralose on account of its bitter taste is best given in cap- 
sules. It will produce sound sleep in which sensibility is not 
lost, although the reflex activities are greater than usual, because 
as, Richet says, it excites the spinal cord while depressing the 
functions of the brain. The awakening is without unpleasant 
effects. Ten grains ; .60 gm., have produced profound uncon- 
sciousness, so that caution should be exercised in prescribing. 

VI. AMYLENI HYDRAS. 

AMYLENE HYDRATE. (Not official.)— (CH 3 ) 2 C 2 H 5 COH=87. 81. 
Synonyms. — Dimethylethylcarbinol. Tertiary Amy lie Alcohol. 

Source. — By the action of Sulphuric Acid on Amylene, separation of the 
Amylene-sulphuric Acid, dilution, filtration, neutralization with Milk of Lime 
or solution of Soda, and fractional distillation. 

Characters. — A limpid, colorless, oily liquid, of a peculiar penetrating 
odor. Sp. gr., 0.815. Solubility. — In 8 parts of water ; readily in Alcohol, 
Ether or Chloroform. 

Dose, y z to 1 fi. dr. ; 2. to 4. c.c. 

Action and Uses of Amylene Hydrate. 

Amylene hydrate is a hypnotic, about midway in power be- 
tween chloral and paraldehyde, having a pleasanter taste than 
the latter. The sleep is generally natural, and the awakening 
prompt and complete. It is a safe hypnotic, having no action 
upon the heart or respiration, and it may have also anodyne pro- 
perties. It can be administered in wine, raspberry syrup, or 
simply in water. It has been given hypodermatically, with one- 
half its volume of alcohol. After continued use it is apt to dis- 
agree with the stomach.] 

VII. PARALDEHYDUM. 

[PARALDEHYDE.— C 6 H 12 3 =i3i. 7.] 

Source. — A product of the polymerization of [Ethylic] Aldehyde by 
means of various Acids or Salts. For example, [Ethylic] Aldehyde may be 
acted on by Hydrochloric Acid, [Carbonyl Chloride (COCl 2 ), Sulphur Dioxide] 
or Zinc Chloride ; during the action, the temperature of the mixture rises, and 
almost complete conversion into Paraldehyde takes place. On cooling to 
below 32 F. [o° C], Paraldehyde crystallizes. 3C 2 H 4 O^C 6 H 12 3 . 

Characters. — A colorless [transparent liquid, having a strong, charac- 



3l6 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

teristic, but not unpleasant or pungent odor, and a burning and cooling taste. 
Solubility, — In 85 parts of water ; freely in Alcohol and Ether.] 
Dose, % to 1 fl. dr. ; [1. to 4. ex.] 

Action of Paraldehyde. 

External. — It is antiseptic. 

Internal. — Large doses increase the flow of urine and some- 
what strengthen the heart, but they do not affect the gastro -intes- 
tinal tract or respiration ; enormous doses of paraldehyde weaken 
the action of the heart, and kill by paralysis of the respiratory 
centre. 

Nervous system. — It is a powerful hypnotic, without any 
unpleasant after-effects. It acts quickly, and the sleep, which 
lasts several hours, is quiet, refreshing, and dreamless. Paralde- 
hyde in toxic doses paralyzes the anterior cornua of the spinal 
cord ; thus it abolishes reflex action and causes paralysis. It does 
not affect nerves or muscles. 

Therapeutics of Paraldehyde. 

Internal. — It is given solely as an hypnotic in the same class 
of cases as chloral, and as it does not act on the heart it may also 
be used for patients suffering from cardiac disease. It has been 
used largely in asylums to produce quiet in mania, and sleep in 
melancholia. It may produce an erythematous rash. Unless 
given in capsules, the great objection to its use is its [disagree- 
able] taste, which is best covered by prescribing it with syrup 
and tincture of orange peel in at least two fluid ounces [60. c.c] 
of water to insure that a usual dose will be dissolved. [It can 
also be administered in glycerin in a 25 per cent, solution, which 
renders it more palatable.] It gives an extremely offensive and 
persistent odor to the breath, which lasts many hours. [In- 
stances of the paraldehyde habit have been occasionally reported. 
There is great emaciation, cardiac weakness, unsteady gait, 
mental confusion and agitation with hallucinations of sight and 
hearing and unpleasant delusions. Restraint for several months 
is necessary for cure.] 



CARBON AND ITS COMPOUNDS. 317 

VIII. SULPHONALUM. 

SULPHONAL. [B. P., not official.— C V H 16 S 2 4 =227. 59. Synonym. 
— Diethylsulphondirnethylmethane. (CH 3 ) 2 C(S0 2 C 2 H 5 ) 2 =227.59. 

Source. — Mercaptan (Ethyl Hydrosulphide) is combined with Acetone 
to form Mercaptol, which by oxidation with Potassium Permanganate yields 
Sulphonal. ] 

Characters. —Colorless, tabular crystals, inodorous, almost tasteless. 
Solubility. — In 450 parts of cold ; in 15 parts of boiling water ; in 90 parts 
of Alcohol or Ether ; in 3 parts of Chloroform. 

Dose, 15 to 40 gr. ; [1.00 to 2.40 gm.] in cachets or suspended in 
mucilage. 

Action and Therapeutics of Sulphonal. 

Sulphonal is an hypnotic. It does not depress the heart. 
The drug is given for the same class of cases as chloral, but as it 
is so insoluble, it is absorbed with difficulty and very slowly ; 
hence it takes two or more hours to act, and its action may be 
prolonged into the next day. It produces its effect most rapidly 
if the fluid, in which it is suspended, is hot ; but as they are so 
much more convenient it is usually given in cachets an hour and 
a half before bedtime. Sulphonal rarely leads to a habit or to 
any disagreeable after-effects. The symptoms of a sulphonal 
habit are general lethargy, mental, moral and muscular weak- 
ness, loss of nutrition, and dyspepsia. It has been known to 
produce [persistent] eruptions upon the skin and hasmatopor- 
phyrin in the urine. [Several fatal cases of poisoning by this 
drug have been reported from small doses continued for long 
periods. Severe general functional disturbances have followed 
its use.] Enormous single doses produce, in addition to these 
symptoms, prolonged sleep, lasting many days, paralysis of 
sphincters, anuria, a fall of temperature, and, late in the case, 
depression of respiration. 

IX. TRIONALUM. 

[TRIONAL. (Not official.)— CH 3 C(S0 2 C 2 H 5 ) 2 C 2 H 5 =2 4 i. 56. Syn- 
onym. — Diethylsulphonmethylethylmethane. This contains three Ethyl groups 
instead of two as does Sulphonal. 

Source. — It is prepared as in Sulphonal, except that Methylethylketone is 
used in place of Acetone. 



3 1 8 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Characters. — Shining, colorless, crystalline plates, tasteless and odorless. 
Solubility. — In 320 parts of water ; readily in Alcohol and Ether. 
Dose, 5 to 30 gr. ; .30 to 2.00 gm. 

Action and Therapeutics of Trional. 

Trional is a prompt hypnotic, without cumulative action, and 
it has no injurious or unpleasant after-effects. Apparently the 
patients do not become habituated to its use. It has been used 
as a hypnotic and sedative for the insane ; for narcotic habitues, 
so far as is known, it is a safe remedy. It is important the daily 
action of the bowels be secured, an alkaline water be given daily, 
and weekly intermissions be insisted upon, otherwise it may give 
rise to disagreeable after-effects. It but rarely gives rise to 
haematoporphyrinuria. 

Tetronal is of similar chemical composition, containing four 
instead of three ethyl groups, and is used for the same purposes, 
but in somewhat larger dose. 

X. URETHANUM. 

URETHANE. (Not official.)— CO. NH 2 .OC 2 H 5 =88. 94. Synonyms. 
— Ethyl Carbamate. Ethyl Urethane. 

Source. — By the interaction of Urea Nitrate and Ethyl Alcohol ; and 
crystallization on cooling. 

Characters. — Colorless, columnar or tabular crystals ; colorless, and 
having a pleasant, saline, somewhat cooling taste. Sohibilily. — In I part of 
water ; 0.6 part of Alcohol ; I part of Ether ; 3 parts of Glycerin. 

Dose, 5 to 30 gr. ; .03 to 2.00 gm. 

Action and Uses of Urethane. 

Urethane is used as a hypnotic, and is believed to provide a 
calm, natural sleep without any disagreeable after-effects. It was 
formerly more frequently employed.] 

Class V. — Drugs which have an Antipyretic or Analgesic Action. 
[The single official representative is Acetanilid. 

Antipyrin and Phenacetin (B. P.), Exalgin, Lactophenin, Phenocoll Hy- 
drochloride and Thallin Sulphate, none of which are official, belong to this 
class. Alpha- and Beta-Eucaine, local anaesthetics are considered here, for 
convenience]. 



CARBON AND ITS COMPOUNDS. 3I9 

I. ACETANILIDUM. 

ACETANILID. — C 6 H 5 NHC 2 H 3 0[=I34.73.] Synonyms.— Phenyl- 

acetamide. Antifebrin. [An Acetyl derivative of Aniline.] 

Source. — Glacial Acetic Acid and [pure] Aniline are heated together [the 
excess of both ingredients is then distilled off, and the congealed residue is 
crude Acetanilid, which is purified by repeated crystallization from water.] 
C 6 H 5 NH 2 +HC 2 H 3 2 =C 6 H 5 NHC 2 H 3 0+H 2 0. 

Characters. — [White, shining micaceous crystalline laminae, or a crys- 
talline powder, odorless, having a faintly burning taste, and permanent in the 
air. Solubility. — In 194 parts of water, and in 5 parts of Alcohol ; also solu- 
ble in 18 parts of Ether, and easily soluble in Chloroform. 

Incompatibles. — Potassium and sodium hydrate, and chloroform. 

Impurities. — Aniline and its salts. 

Dose, 2 to 5 gr. ; .12 to .30 gm.] 

Action of Acetanilid. 

External. — It is a local haemostatic as it contracts blood- 
vessels when applied to them. 

Internal. — Blood. — With ordinary doses of this drug this 
fluid is unaffected, but in large doses the color is changed, from 
the formation of methfemoglobin. The passage of this in the 
urine discolors it. It causes the red corpuscles to break up and 
arrests the movements of the white. 

Heart. — This substance depresses the heart. It is not known 
how it does this • but what little evidence there is appears 
to show that it has a directly paralyzing action on the cardiac 
muscle. 

Vessels. — Acetanilid contracts the smaller vessels from direct 
action on their muscular coat. The blood -pressure therefore 
rises. 

Respiration. — This is not affected by ordinary doses. After 
toxic doses the force of the respiratory act progressively dimin- 
ishes. 

Kidjieys. — This substance is a mild diuretic. The excretion 
of urea and uric acid is stated to be increased by it. Large 
doses cause the urine to be dark from the passage of altered 
blood. Acetanilid is said to be excreted as aniline, but this re- 
quires confirmation. 

Skin. — This may produce an erythematous rash which usually 



320 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

[resembles that of measles] or is urticarial, and it is occasionally 
a mild diaphoretic. 

Temperature. — This substance is a powerful antipyretic. 
It has a very slight action on the temperature of health, but it 
reduces it very markedly when it is raised from any cause. It 
was introduced into medicine for this property. We have 
already seen (see p. 7 1 ) how numerous are the ways in which 
antipyretics may act. The fall of temperature produced by this 
drug is not due to any action on the blood or the circulation, 
and it is too marked to be entirely owing to its diaphoretic 
action. It decreases heat production, and it is most likely that 
it acts directly upon that part of the central nervous system, 
probably upon the corpora striata, which presides over heat pro- 
duction. It, to a much less extent, increases heat dissipation. 
The result of these two actions is that the temperature falls. The 
proof of these statements is too long and complicated to give 
here, but we may mention that it is easy to show both by a calo- 
rimeter, and by the decrease of the products of the febrile de- 
struction of tissue, such as urea, that these drugs diminish heat 
production. [It also possesses anti -periodic properties.] 

Nervous system. — The drug is a powerful analgesic. Ace- 
tanilid in large doses is said to produce first convulsions, then 
coma, and paralysis of motor nerves and muscles ; but all these 
statements require further experiments. 

Therapeutics of Acetanilid. 

External. — Acetanilid has been used in form of a dusting 
powder [for soft and hard venereal ulcerations, in place of iodo- 
form,] or as an ointment (1 to 24) for chronic ulcers and eczema. 
[It has also been employed as an antiseptic for wounds. Too 
large a surface, however, should not be dusted over.] 

Internal. — Pyrexia. — Originally this drug was introduced 
into medicine on account of the property which it has of reducing 
pyrexia. The opinion is, however, gaining ground that if the 
temperature is not dangerously high no attempt should be made 
to reduce it, for probably the raised temperature is an endeavor 
on the part of the body to defend itself against the micro-organ- 



CARBON AND ITS COMPOUNDS. 321 

isms which are the cause of the particular fever from which the 
patient is suffering ; in other words, the pyrexia is a " defensive 
mechanism." Further, this drug is a cardiac depressant, and 
therefore unsuitable for patients suffering from fever, and this 
last consideration makes many physicians prefer to use cold 
water when the temperature is so high that it, of itself, is dan- 
gerous to life. In order to gain a rapid effect, when it has been 
decided to use an antipyretic this drug is useful. The balance 
of evidence is that toxic symptoms are more common after ace- 
tanilid, which, however, does not keep the temperature down 
quite so long as [other antipyretics. ] It takes about two hours 
to reduce the pyrexia to its minimum. [Acetanilid] may be 
given per rectum. [It has no action upon the intestinal tract.] 

Analgesic action. — This drug has the property of relieving 
pain [of neuralgia, sciatica, dysmenorrhea, locomotor ataxia, 
migraine, and various headaches.] 

[Under the name of Antikamnia a substance has been intro- 
duced which is probably a mixture of 20 parts of sodium bicar- 
bonate, 70 of acetanilid and 10 of caffeine. Since acetanilid is 
a cardiac depressant, the addition of caffeine may be advantageous 
in some cases. A case of death has been reported, attributed to 
the ingestion of 24 grains [1.50 gm.] of this mixture.] Anti- 
nervin contains acetanilid, sodium salicylate and potassium 

bromide. 

Toxicology. 

Symptoms. — Acetanilid occasionally produces in man collapse, cyanosis, 
very slow respiration, a feeble and irregular pulse, vomiting, profuse sweating, 
and profound prostration. [Death has occurred after a dose of 5 gr. ; .30 gm.] 
It is not known whether these symptoms are due to impurities in the drug. 

Treatment. — Stimulation by alcohol and ether, subcutaneously, and by 
the mouth. Strychnine subcutaneously to stimulate the heart. Oxygen in- 
halations. Warmth to the feet and body. 

II. ANTIPYRINUM. 

ANTIPYRIN. (Not official. )— Phenazonum, [B. P.]— C 6 H 5 (CH 3 ) 2 C 3 
HN 2 0=Ti87.65.] Synonym. — Phenyldimethyl pyrazolone. 

Source. — Aceto-acetic Ether is acted upon by Phenyl-hydrazine, when 
Phenylmonomethylpyrazolone, Ethyl Alcohol, and water are formed. CH 3 
COCH 2 COOC 2 H 5 + H 2 NNHC 6 H 5 = C 6 H 5 (CH 3 )C 3 H 2 N 2 0+C 2 H 5 OH-f H 2 0. 



322 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

The Monomethyl compound is treated with Methyl Iodide and Methyl Alcohol. 
C 6 H 5 (CH 3 )C 3 H 2 N 2 0+CH 5 I=C 6 H 5 (CH 3 ) 2 C 3 HN 2 0+Hl. 

Characters. — Colorless, odorless, scaly crystals [of a somewhat bitter 
taste]. Solubility. — Freely in water, Alcohol and Chloroform. 

Incompatibles. — Iron sulphate, iodide, and chloride, copper sulphate, 
iodine, arsenic iodide, carbolic, hydrocyanic, and nitric acids, potassium per- 
manganate, salicylates, [corrosive mercuric chloride], spirit of nitrous ether ; 
all preparations of tannin give a white precipitate ; chloral hydrate decom- 
poses it unless in dilute solution. 

Dose, 3 to 20 gr. ; [.20 to 1.20 gm.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Antipyrin. 

[Antipyrin in small doses may moderately increase arterial 
pressure by direct stimulation of the heart (Wood) ; in large 
doses it is a cardiac depressant, the final fall of blood-pressure 
being certainly due, at least in part, to a direct action upon the 
heart.] It also contracts the blood-vessels, being therefore a 
local haemostatic. It is a mild diuretic, and is quickly excreted 
in the urine as antipyrin. [It may produce an erythematous 
rash. It rapidly reduces an elevated temperature by decreasing 
heat production, by direct action on the centre which presides 
over heat production, and to a much less extent increases heat 
dissipation. In large doses it is said to produce convulsions, 
later coma, and paralysis of motor nerves and muscles. 

Antipyrin is given internally as a powerful antipyretic, in 
fevers of various kinds. It is also used as a haemostatic in haem- 
orrhoids and epistaxis. It has been used with some success in 
diabetes. It is largely employed as an anti-neuralgic, reliev- 
ing the pains of locomotor ataxia and other nervous affections, 
and as an anti-rheumatic. It has been highly recommended 
in chorea and epilepsy. Externally it is supposed to be an anti- 
septic, but irritation has followed its hypodermatic use. It is a 
local anaesthetic. 

Salipyrin is prepared by the action of antipyrin upon sali- 
cylic acid in substance. It is a white, coarsely-crystalline pow- 
der with a rather sweetish taste, readily soluble in alcohol, but 
slightly in water. In chronic articular rheumatism and sciatica 
it has been successful, but it does not prevent relapses. It has 



CARBON AND ITS COMPOUNDS. 323 

been successfully used for spasmodic dysmenorrhcea. The dose 
is from 6 to 30 gr. ; .40 to 2.00 gm. 

Iodopyrin or iodantipyrin is supposed to have a hydrogen 
atom in the phenyl group of antipyrin replaced by iodine. It 
occurs in colorless, prismatic needles, which are tasteless. It is, 
with difficulty, soluble in cold water or alcohol, but readily when 
hot. It causes a fall of temperature and perspiration, but with- 
out collapse or shivering. It is doubtful if it has any advantage 
over antipyrin. The dose is from 2 to 15 gr. ; .12 to 1.00 gm.] 

Toxicology. 
Sympto?ns. — Antipyrin occasionally produces, in man, collapse, cyanosis, 
very slow respiration, a feeble and irregular pulse, vomiting and profound pros- 
tration. It is not known whether these symptoms have been due to impurities 
in the drug, [but it is quite likely that they have arisen from improper dosage.] 
Many deaths have been caused by this drug ; it has been stated that during 
one epidemic of influenza in Vienna seventeen persons were killed by it. 

Treatment. — Stimulation by Alcohol and Ether subcutaneously and by the 
mouth ; Strychnine subcutaneously to stimulate the heart ; warmth to the feet 
and body. 

III. PHENACETINUM. 

[PHENACETIN.] (Not official.)— C 10 H 13 NO 2 =[i 78. 63]. Synonym. 
— Para-acetphenetidin. C 6 H 4 OC 2 H 5 NHC 2 H 3 0=[i78.63]. 

Source. — Glacial Acetic Acid is made to act upon paraphenetidin, a pro- 
duct of Paranitrophenol. [C 6 H 5 OC 2 H 5 NH 2 +HC 2 H 3 2 =C 6 H^C 2 H 5 NHC 2 
H 3 0+H 2 0.] 

Characters. — Colorless, tasteless, scaly crystals. Solubility. — Very spar- 
ingly (1 in 1700) in water ; in 30 parts of Alcohol ; soluble in Glycerin. 

Dose, 5 to 10 gr. ; [.30 to .60 gm.] (as an antipyretic), in cachets, 
capsules or suspended. 

Action and Therapeutics of Phenacetin. 

[Phenacetin has no action externally nor on the gastrointes- 
tinal tract, and with ordinary doses the blood is unaffected. It 
slightly depresses the heart, but does not in ordinary doses affect 
the respiration. It is a mild diuretic, but large doses cause the 
passage of altered blood. It is a powerful antipyretic by de- 
creasing heat production and slightly increasing heat dissipation. 
It is a powerful analgesic. It is a valuable remedy for reducing 
fever, and because it depresses the heart but little, it is safer 



3^4 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

than either antipyrin or acetanilid. It is, however, very insolu- 
ble, and slower and less powerful than these remedies, but the 
effects last longer. As this drug possesses a marked analgesic 
action, it is to be preferred as a remedy for the relief of pain, as 
neuralgia, sciatica, locomotor ataxia, migraine and various head- 
aches. For this purpose, the dose of 5 gr.; .30 gm., should be 
administered every hour for three or four hours ; this generally 
gives relief. This drug has been of service in the treatment of 

epilepsy. 

Toxicology. 

Symptoms. — This drug sometimes produces severe vomiting, sweating, 
feeble and rapid pulse, and collapse. Treatment. — Alcoholic stimulation. 
Strychnine hypodermatically. External warmth. ] 

IV. EXALGINUM. 

EXALGIN. (Not official.)— [C 6 H 5 N(CH 3 )CH s CO==i48. 70.] Syno- 
nym. — Methyl Acetanilid. 

[Source. — By warming together Monomethyianiline and Acetyl Chloride. 

Characters. — Colorless acicular needles, with a slightly] saline taste. 
Solubility. — In 60 parts of water ; freely in Alcohol. 

Dose, y z to 3 gr. ; [.03 to .20 gm.] 

Action and Uses of Exalgin. 

Exalgin is a powerful analgesic and has been given with suc- 
cess for neuralgia. Often it relieves when many other drugs 
have failed. Medicinal doses hardly ever cause depression, but 
very large quantities may be dangerous from their breaking up 
the blood like acetanilid. It is best dissolved in Tinctura 
Aurantii [Dulcis], but may be made into a pill. [It is used for 
migraine, sciatica, the pains of rheumatism, and, of late, for 

chorea. 

Toxicology. 

Several severe cases of poisoning having been reported, the usual dose 
should not be exceeded. The symptoms are similar to those of acetanilid. 
Treatment.— As for acetanilid. {See p. 321.) 

V. LACTOPHENINUM. 

LACTOPHENIN. (Not official. )— C u H 15 N0 3 =2o8. 56. Synonym.— 
Lactylparaphenetidine. C 6 H 4 OC 2 H 5 NHCOCH(OH)CH 3 =:2o8.56. 



CARBON AND ITS COMPOUNDS. 325 

Source. — Lactophenin differs from Phenacetin only by the substitution of 
Lactic for Acetic Acid. 

Characters. — A white, tasteless powder. Solubility. — In 330 parts of 
water. 

Dose, 10 to 15 gr. ; .60 to 1.00 gm. 

Action and Uses of Lactophenin. 
Lactophenin is an analgesic and antithermic. It is usually 
better borne than antipyrin. Although it may, in some instances, 
give rise to sweating, it does not cause collapse nor cyanosis. It 
produces a considerable and persistent lowering of a febrile 
temperature, but without abundant perspiration, and its use is 
not followed by chilly sensations. It has been administered in 
articular rheumatism, influenza, scarlet fever, septicaemia and 
other infectious diseases. Von Jaksch has obtained excellent 
results in typhoid fever, with daily doses from 7 to 15 gr.; .50 to 
1. 00 gm., not only in reducing the fever, but as a sedative when 
delirium becomes a prominent symptom. 

VI. PHENOCOLLI HYDROCHLORIDUM. 

PHENOCOLL HYDROCHLORIDE. (Not official.)— C 10 H u N 2 O 2 
HCl=230.oi. 

Source. — By the intermixture of Phenetidine with Glycocoll or Amido- 
acetic Acid. 

Characters. — It is a white micro-crystalline powder. Solubility. — In 
20 parts of water. 

Dose, 5 to 30 gr. ; .30 to 2.00 gm. 

Action and Uses of Phenocoll Hydrochloride. 

It is not poisonous to animals and nor does it injuriously 
affect the blood. It is a fairly powerful antipyretic, not followed 
by collapse or cyanosis ; the perspiration is not more marked 
than after large doses of antipyrin. It has also been used as an 
anti neuralgic ; in severe acute articular rheumatism it has exer- 
cised a beneficial action upon the joints when other remedies 
have failed. It is rapidly excreted by the urine, to which it 
gives a brownish color, and it probably increases the excretion 
of uric acid. The reports, of which there are now a consider- 
able number, are favorable to this remedy. 



326 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

VII. THALLIN^E SULPHAS. 

THALLINE SULPHATE. (Not official.)— 2C 9 H 10 N(OCH 3 )H 2 SO 4 
+2H 2 0=r 4 5 9 .o6. 

SOURCE. — By heating together Paramidoanisol, Paranitranisol, Glycerin 
and Sulphuric Acid. 

CHARACTERS. — A white or whitish granular crystalline powder having a 
slightly Anise-like odor and a nauseous, bitter, saline and pungent taste. 
Solubility. — In 7 parts of water ; in 100 parts of Alcohol. 

Dose, 2 to 10 gr. ; .12 to .60 gm. 

Action and Uses of Thallin Sulphate. 

This drug was introduced into medicine as an antipyretic, but 
it was soon abandoned because of the dangerous collapse with 
marked cyanosis which it produced. It is rarely given inter- 
nally, because it is poisonous to the red blood corpuscles and to 
the nervous system. Its chief use is as an injection for gonor- 
rhoea, in aqueous solution (1 or 2 to 120), or it can be used in 
a 2 per cent, solution in gelatin bougies. In gleet beneficial re- 
sults have followed the injection of 1 to 8 aqueous solutions. 

VIII. ALPHA-EUCAIN^ HYDROCHLORAS. 

ALPHA-EUCAINE HYDROCHLORATE. (Not official.)— 
C 19 H 27 N0 4 HC1+H 2 0=386.6i. The hydrochlorate of a synthetic alkaloid 
having a close chemical relationship to cocaine. 

Source. — By the action of one molecule of ammonia upon three molecules 
of acetone, triacetonamine is formed. This is then transformed into triacetona- 
mencyanhydrine by hydrocyanic acid. This compound when saponified be- 
comes triacetonalkamin carbonic acid, ammonia being given off, when benzy- 
lated and methylated trimethylbenzoyketramethyl — y — oxypiperidin carbonic 
acid — methylester or Eucaine is formed. 

Characters. — Permanent shining scales containing one molecule of water 
of crystallization. Solubility. — In about 6 parts of water. 

IncompATIBLES. — Caustic alkalies, alkaline carbonates and ammonia. 

Action of Eucaine Hydrochlorate. 

The general action of eucaine, both in cold and warm blooded 
animals, consists in a marked excitation of the entire central 
nervous system, followed by paralysis ; in toxic doses going on 
to death. Small doses administered to mice and rabbits cause 
increased reflex excitability, and increased but weakened respira- 



CARBON AND ITS COMPOUNDS. 2> 2 7 

tory movements. Medium doses in rabbits cause repeated tonic 
and clonic convulsions. The animals lie senseless on their sides, 
with dyspnoea, opisthotonos, and finally paresis of the posterior 
limbs. These phenomena are most marked when large toxic 
doses are administered ; the convulsions return continuously, 
and affect all the muscles of the body. The animals finally 
die when the paralysis reaches the respiratory muscles. When 
the dose is not a fatal one, the convulsions gradually cease, 
the increased reflex excitability disappears, and the paresis of 
the hind limbs slowly improves. The effect on the central ner- 
vous system is therefore at first excitant, and later, in toxic doses, 
paralyzing. The paralysis is a central one, for if the sciatic 
nerve of a frog poisoned with eucaine is exposed, and its 
peripheral end irritated with the induced current, the limb reacts 
in a normal manner. As regards its action on the heart and the 
blood-vessels, the subcutaneous and intravenous injection of 
small and medium doses slows the heart on the average from 
twenty to thirty beats per minute, but without otherwise modi- 
fying the beats, or increasing the blood pressure. This effect on 
the pulse is caused by the excitation of the central vagus ; for 
section of the vagi causes an immediate increase of the pulse to 
the normal and above it, together with an increase of the blood 
pressure. Death occurs from paralysis of the respiratory centres, 
for the heart continues to beat for some time thereafter (Vinci). 

Therapeutics of Eucaine Hydrochlorate. 
Eucaine is used in from i to 5 or even 10 per cent, solutions 
for the same purposes as is cocaine. The anaesthesia comes on 
somewhat more slowly, with solutions of the same strength is 
about equal to, and its effects last about the same time as with 
the latter drug. It possesses the disadvantage of causing hyper- 
semia of mucous membranes, and in 2 per cent, solution may 
irritate the conjuctiva. A 1 per cent, solution, however, does 
not cause any disturbance. It is preferable to cocaine in that 
its aqueous solutions are permanent and can be sterilized by heat 
without decomposition. It does not cause mydriasis nor dis- 
turbance of accommodation, nor does it dry the corneal epithe- 



328 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Hum, and further it is relatively safer, so far as circulation and 
respiration are concerned, than cocaine. Vinci claims that its 
solutions possess moderate antibacterial powers. 

In order to avoid the burning sensations, pain and hyperaemia 
to which eucaine may give rise, a substance known as Benzoyl- 
vinyldiacetonalkamin hydrochlorate named Beta-eucaine (not 
official), a compound closely related chemically to eucaine, has 
been recommended. Its chemical and physiological properties, 
with the above exceptions, are the same. It is safe, being three 
and three-quarters less toxic than cocaine, does not affect the 
heart, and is unirritating. It does not produce, when employed 
in the eye, mydriasis, corneal lesions, nor disturbances of ac- 
commodation. It can be sterilized by boiling without deteriora- 
tion ; its solutions are permanent and do not decompose when 
kept. Its field is the same as that of cocaine, and it ^an be em- 
ployed for the various operations upon the eye, nose, ears, 
geni to-urinary tract, in minor surgery and dentistry, and for in- 
filtration anaesthesia. For medullary anaesthesia while the after- 
effects seem no greater than with cocaine the analgesia is not so 
uniform nor lasting. Its ease and certainty of sterilization by 
boiling are in its favor and some operators are strong advocates 
of it. It is employed in from ^ to 4 per cent, (saturated) 
aqueous solution, but of the latter not more than 30 minims ; 
2.00 c.c, should be employed at one time, although for a pro- 
longed operation five times this quantity may be employed]. 

Class VI. — The Antiseptics. 

Carbolic Acid, Sodium Sulphocarbolate, Creosote, 
Iodoform, Naphtalin, Naphtol and Resorcin. 

[Besides these the following drugs which are not official are included in 
this class: Zinc Sulphocarbolate (B. P.), Guaiacol, Aristol, Iodol, Europhen, 
Creolin, Lysol, Asaprol, Formaldehyde, Urotropin, Saccharin, Methylene 
Blue and Piperazine.] 

I. [ACIDUM CARBOLICUM CRUDUM. 

CRUDE CARBOLIC ACID. 

Source. — A liquid consisting of various constituents of coal-tar, chiefly 
cresol and phenol, obtained by fractional distillation between the temperatures 



CARBON AND ITS COMPOUNDS. 329 

of 302 and 392 F. ; 150 and 200 C, and twice rectified between the tem- 
peratures of 33S and 374 F. ; 170 to 190 C. 

Characters. — A nearly colorless or reddish, or brownish-red liquid of a 
strongly empyreumatic and creosote-like odor, having a benumbing, blanching 
and caustic effect upon the skin and mucous membrane, and a slightly acid 
reaction. 

Used only externally.] 

II. ACIDUM CARBOLICUM. 

CARBOLIC ACID.— C 6 H 5 OH[=93.78.] Synonyms.— Phenic Acid. 
Phenol. Phenyl Alcohol. 

Source. — [From Crude Carbolic Acid by agitation with warm concen- 
trated solution of Soda, heating to 338 F. ; 170 C. , solution and treatment 
with Hydrochloric Acid. After being agitated with Sodium Chloride, digested 
with Calcium Chloride, it is distilled between 336 and 374 F. ; 1 68. 8° and 
190 C, and crystallized. 

Characters. — Colorless, interlaced or separate, needle-shaped crystals, 
or a wdiite crystalline mass, sometimes acquiring a reddish tint, having a some- 
what aromatic odor, and, when copiously diluted with water, a sweetish taste 
with a slightly burning after-taste. Treated with about 8 per cent, of water, it 
becomes fluid ; the crystals are very hygroscopic, and hence soon become semi- 
fluid on exposure to air ; it has a faintly acid reaction and coagulates albumin. 
Solubility. — Slowly in about 15 to 20 parts of water ;] freely in Alcohol, fats 
and oils. [Solution in water is more easily made if an equal part of Glycerin 
is added.] 

Dose, ^ to 1 gr. ; [.03 to .06 gm.] 

Preparations. 

1. Unguentum Acidi Carbolici. — [Ointment of Carbolic Acid. 
Carbolic Acid, 5 ; Ointment, 95. 

2. Glyceritum Acidi Carbolici. — Glycerite of Carbolic Acid. 
Carbolic Acid, 20 ; Glycerin, 80. 

Dose, 2 to 5 m. ; .12 to .30 c.c] 

Action of Carbolic Acid. 

External. — Carbolic acid is a powerful antizymotic, 
rapidly destroying organized ferments, both animal and vegetable. 
Consequently it destroys those of septic diseases, hence it is 
antiseptic. It thus prevents the formation of the products of 
the decompositions which are set up by these organisms. For 
this reason it is disinfectant, and as the products of decompo- 
sition are generally foul -smelling, it is deodorant. It does not 
act so readily on unorganized ferments (enzymes), such as pepsin 



330 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

and ptyalin, but in large doses it likewise destroys their activity. 
Carbolic acid is not so powerful an antizymotic as [corrosive 
mercuric] chloride (see p. 214) ; for Evans found that anthrax 
spores were not killed in twenty-four hours by a solution of 1 in 
100, but were killed by a solution of 1 in 20 acting for twenty- 
four hours, but not when it acted for only four hours. The bacilli 
of anthrax were killed by a solution of 1 in 100 acting for five 
minutes, 1 in 150 acting for a quarter of an hour, 1 in 175 acting 
for half an hour, but were unaffected by a solution of 1 in 150 
acting for one minute, 1 in 175 acting for a quarter of an hour, 
1 in 300 acting for an hour. Strengths of 1 in 40 and 1 in 20 
are commonly employed in surgery. The solution in oil has no 
antiseptic properties. The power of carbolic acid to destroy 
low organisms makes it an efficient parasiticide against certain 
vegetable parasites infesting the skin. 

When applied to the skin in weak or moderately strong solu- 
tions, it produces local anaesthesia with a feeling of numb- 
ness which lasts some hours. If concentrated, it acts as an 
irritant and caustic, causing a burning pain, and in a few 
minutes a white spot appears, which becomes red when the acid 
is removed. If the application is prolonged, a white eschar or 
slough results. There is no vesication. 

Internal. — Gastro-intestinal tract. — If concentrated, carbolic 
acid produces the same effect on the mouth as on the skin, and 
is a powerful gastro-intestinal irritant {see Toxicology). In the 
stomach it is converted into a sulphocarbolate, and unless poi- 
sonous doses be given, it is so diluted by the gastric contents 
that it loses its antizymotic power. 

Blood. — It is not known in what form carbolic acid circulates, 
probably as an alkaline carbolate. 

Circulation. — Medicinal doses have no effect. Large doses 
paralyze the vaso-motor centre in the medulla, and the blood- 
pressure falls. It is not until very large doses have been given 
that the heart is affected, and then its activity is depressed. 

Respiration. — Small doses have no influence on respiration, 
but large ones accelerate it, probably from stimulation of the 
vagi. Ultimately respiration is paralyzed, and death results. 



CARBON AND ITS COMPOUNDS. 33 1 

Temperature. — This is unaffected by small doses of carbolic 
acid, but large doses cause it to fall, because they diminish the 
production of heat and increase its dissipation. 

Nervous system. — Carbolic acid is a cerebral depressant in 
large doses, for coma is produced by them ; they first stimulate 
the anterior cornua, producing convulsions, but subsequently 
depress them, causing paralysis. 

Urine. — Much interest attaches to this, for even after moder- 
ate doses of carbolic acid, or absorption from surgical dressings, 
the urine may become dark. This is not due to blood, as 
was once thought, for Stevenson has shown that there is no 
increase of iron in the urine. Carbolic acid [is partially oxi- 
dized to pyrocatechin and hydroquinone, which combine in the 
body with sulphuric and glycuronic acids and are excreted in 
the urine as double (ethereal) sulphates and phenol, pyrocatechin 
and hydroquinone glycuronates.] Pyrocatechin [and hydro- 
quinone are unstable bodies, and their oxidation products are 
doubtless] the cause of the dark urine ; pyrocatechin can only 
exist in alkaline urine, [so that it cannot be the sole cause of the 
dark color.] The presence in the urine of these results of car- 
bolic acid is recognized by distilling them over from it. The 
distillate gives a blue color with neutral ferric chloride, and a 
white crystalline precipitate of tribromophenol with bromine 
water, showing the presence of sulphocarbolic acid. [The in- 
organic sulphates are usually absent. This is determined by the 
use of the barium chloride test which does not precipitate the 
combined sulphates (sulphocarbolates). (Sonnenberg's test).] 
Some carbolic acid escapes in the other excretions ; some is 
burned up in the body. When very large doses are given car- 
bolic acid itself may appear in the urine. 

Therapeutics of Carbolic Acid. 
External. — Carbolic acid is largely used as a deodorant and 
disinfectant for drains, bed -pans, [for which the cheaper crude 
acid may be employed,] soiled linen, surgical instruments, the 
surgeon's hands, etc. Carbolic lotion (i in 40) is used to wash 
wounds to keep them antiseptic, and carbolized gauze (which is 



33 2 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

bleached cotton gauze medicated with half its weight of a mixture 
of carbolic acid, i ; resin, 4 ; paraffin, 4, ) is employed as a dressing 
for the same purpose. A spray of a solution of carbolic acid was 
formerly much used to keep the air around the wound antiseptic 
during an operation, but it is now discarded as unnecessary. 

Glycerite of carbolic acid is a very efficient preparation to 
destroy the fungus of tinea tonsurans or tinea versicolor ; for the 
latter it should be diluted. 

Because of its anaesthetic effect a strong solution (1 in 20) 
will relieve itching from any cause. Carbolized vapor has been 
inhaled in phthisis, but by the time it reaches the lungs it is far 
too dilute to have any action on the tubercle bacilli. 

Internal. — Month. — The glycerite, if diluted, may be applied 
as a stimulant to the mouth in aphthous stomatitis, or when any 
indolent ulceration is present. A gargle (of [carbolic acid] in 
water, 1 in 120) is an excellent preparation. The glycerite has 
been used for diphtheria, but probably it does no good, except 
that being a local anaesthetic it soothes pain. A piece of cotton 
soaked in strong carbolic acid will relieve pain if placed in a 
decayed tooth, but care must be taken to prevent it from coming 
in contact with the soft parts by putting another piece of dry 
cotton over it. 

Stomach. — Carbolic acid has been given to relieve flatulence, 
because it was thought that it would prevent decomposition in 
the stomach ; but it is powerless to do this, owing to the degree 
to which the gastric contents dilute it. Some state that it checks 
vomiting and helps to cure dyspepsia, but it is not a remedy 
which is universally regarded as useful for these purposes. It 
may, however, be tried in obstinate cases, and it will sometimes 
be found to be a good carminative. It has been given internally 
as an antiseptic in phthisis, but it does no good, and those who 
give it forget that probably very little carbolic acid reaches the 
lungs. It has been extensively tried in typhoid fever, but with- 
out any good effect. 

Toxicology. 

If carbolic acid is at all concentrated, immediately on swallowing it there 
is an intense burning sensation in the mouth, [oesophagus] and stomach, and 



CARBON AND ITS COMPOUNDS. 333 

white eschars form in the moufh. The patient is collapsed, his skin is cold 
and clammy. The breathing becomes more and more feeble and shallow, and 
finally stops. The urine is darkish green. Reflex movements are abolished, 
and ultimately he becomes insensible and comatose. [Carbolic acid taken by 
the mouth has proven fatal in two minutes.] Post-mortem. — There are white, 
hard sloughs, with perhaps inflammatory redness round them, in the mouth, 
oesophagus, and stomach. The blood is dark and coagulates imperfectly. In 
some cases fatty degeneration of the liver and kidneys may be found. 

Treatment. — Any soluble sulphate, such as an ounce [30. gm.] of magne- 
sium sulphate or half an ounce [15. gm.] of sodium sulphate dissolved in 
half a pint [250. c.c] of water, is the natural antidote, because sulphates and 
carbolic acid form sulphocarbolates in the blood, and these are harmless. 
[Saccharated lime or soap maybe used as chemical antidotes.] Before the 
antidote is given, wash out the stomach or use some very quickly-acting 
emetic, as apomorphine [hydrochlorate] given hypodermatically. [It is of the 
utmost importance to immediately] give stimulants freely, such as ether or 
brandy subcutaneously. Apply hot water bottles and blankets if there are any 
signs of collapse. [The most important antidote to carbolic acid is pure 
alcohol. Success in treatment demands that the acid and alcohol should be 
brought in contact ; therefore if the acid has been swallowed for some time 
alcohol may not be efficacious. ] 

III. SODII SULPHOCARBOLAS. 

SODIUM SULPHOCARBOLATE.— [NaS0 3 C 6 H 4 (OH)-f-2H 2 0= 

231.56. Synonym. — Sodium Paraphenolsulphonate. 

Source.— Phenolsulphuric Acid is formed by adding Sulphuric Acid to 
crystallized Carbolic Acid ; on heating this mixture it becomes Paraphenol- 
sulphuric Acid, which yields a clear solution with water. C 6 H 5 OH-|-H 2 S0 4 
=C 6 H 5 HS0 4 -f-H 2 0. Barium Carbonate is then added, and Barium Sulpho- 
carbolateis precipitated. 2C 6 H 5 HS0 4 +BaC0 3 =Ba(S0 3 C 6 H 4 (OH) ) 2 +H 2 
-f-C0 2 . This is treated with water and Sodium Carbonate ; a solution of So- 
dium Sulphocarbolate is formed, and Barium Carbonate is precipitated. 
Ba(S0 3 C 6 H 4 (OH)) 2 +Na 2 C0 3 =2NaS0 3 C 6 H 4 (OHj+BaC0 3 . The solution 
is evaporated to crystallization. 

Characters. — Colorless, transparent, rhombic prisms, odorless and having 
a cooling, saline, slightly bitter taste. Solubility. — In 4.8 parts of water ; in 
132 parts of Alcohol.] 

Dose, 5 to 30 gr. ; [.30 to 2.00 gm.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Sodium Sulphocarbolate. 

This substance is antiseptic, like carbolic acid, and may be 
used externally for this purpose. Internally it is occasionally 
given in the hope of controlling gastric fermentation. 



334 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

ZINCI SULPHOCARBOLAS. 

IV. ZINC SULPHOCARBOLATE.- [B. P., not official.] Zn 
(C 6 H 5 S0 4 ) 2 -f-H 2 0— [448.62. Synonym. — Zinc Paraphenol Sulphonate.] 

Source. — Sulphocarbolic Acid is formed by adding Sulphuric Acid to 
Carbolic Acid. This is treated with Zinc Oxide ; the Zinc Sulphocarbolate 
crystallizes out on evaporation. 

Characters. — Colorless crystals, freely soluble in water. 

Action and Therapeutics of Zinc Sulphocarbolate. 

Zinc sulphocarbolate is, like carbolic acid, an antiseptic, and 
may be used externally for that purpose. [It is used as an as- 
tringent for indolent or foul ulcers, and in subacute inflamma- 
tions of mucous membrane, in solutions which are somewhat 
stronger than those of zinc sulphate.] It is not given internally. 

V. CREOSOTUM. 
CREOSOTE. 

Source. — [A mixture of Phenols, chiefly Guaiacol (C 7 H 8 2 ) and Creosol 
(C 8 H 10 O 2 ) obtained during the distillation of wood tar, preferably of that de- 
rived from the beech Fagus Sylvatica Linne (nat. ord. Cupuliferce.') 

Characters. — An almost colorless, slightly yellowish or pinkish, highly 
refractive, oily liquid, having a penetrating smoky odor, and a burning caustic 
taste, usually becoming darker in tint on exposure to light. Sp. gr. , not below 
1.070. Solubility. — In 150 parts of water ; freely in Alcohol, Ether, Chloro- 
form and glacial Acetic Acid. ] 

Impurity. — Carbolic Acid [which coagulates albumin and collodion. 
Creosote does not]. 

Incompatible. — Explodes when mixed with Silver oxide. 

Dose, \y 2 to 2 m. ; .03 to .12 c.c. 

Preparation. 

Aqua Creosoti. — Creosote Water. Creosote, 10 ; distilled water, 
990. 

Dose, 1 to 4 fl. dr. ; 4. to 15. c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Creosote. 

Creosote has the same action as carbolic acid, and before that 
was introduced, creosote was used externally as a stimulating an- 
tiseptic, a parasiticide and a slight local anaesthetic ; and inter- 
nally it was given for vomiting and flatulence. An aching tooth 
maybe relieved if it is plugged with cotton thoroughly moistened 



CARBON AND ITS COMPOUNDS. 335 

in creosote. [The most important use of creosote is as a pul- 
monary antiseptic, administered by the mouth, hypodermatically, 
or by inhalation. To Bouchard and Gimbert belongs the credit 
of introducing the use of creosote in cases of tuberculosis. It can 
be administered in the form of an emulsion with cod-liver oil 
and acacia ; or with the hypophosphites and cod-liver oil ; or 
with the syrup of wild cherry and acacia, two minims ; .12 c.c; 
of the creosote being contained in a drachm; 4 c.c. of the 
emulsion, or in a mixture of glycerin and whiskey. The dose 
should be one-half to two minims ; .03 to . 12 c.c, given thrice 
daily, and increased to twenty to twenty-five minims; 1.20 to 
1.50 c.c. in the twenty-four hours, by easy stages. Administered 
in the form of enteric pills (which will dissolve only in the in- 
testinal fluids), a daily dosage of forty-five to fifty minims; 
3.00 to 3.30 c.c. can be reached without inconvenience. This 
method is preferable to that of Sommerbrodt, which consists in 
the administration of one minim; .06 c.c. of creosote in two 
minims; 12 c.c. of cod-liver oil, in capsules. The method of 
hypodermatic injection in sterilized olive oil requires a special 
apparatus, is very tedious, somewhat painful, and altogether irk- 
some to patient and physician. By inhalation it is employed 
with equal parts of alcohol and spirit of chloroform, or in alco- 
hol, one part to eight, in a perforated zinc inhaler, of which 15 
minims; 1. c.c, are placed upon a bit of cotton and used for 
fifteen minutes in every hour. If the best beechwood creosote 
is employed, no untoward results are likely to be obtained. If 
the dose is increased too rapidly there may occur some nausea, 
epigastric uneasiness, and even vomiting. Disturbance of the 
kidneys has been produced and the urine presents practically the 
same appearance as after the injection of carbolic acid (see p. 
331). The stomach symptoms have been relieved by the pa- 
tient placing himself upon his back, for half an hour after ad- 
ministration of the remedy. It is quite likely that the patient 
acquires a tolerance, for the daily dose of three hundred minims; 
20. c.c. has been given for a considerable time, with benefit, 
although fifty minims ; 3.30 c.c. should be considered as the 
maximum daily dose. Creosote is more efficient than either of 



336 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

its principal constituents, guaiacol or creosol, even if given in 
proportionate dose. Creosote should never be given to the aged. 
Creosote carbonate (not official) which contains 92 per cent. 
of creosote, does not possess the caustic and irritative properties 
of the pure creosote, and can be administered in dose of from t 5 
to 60 m. ; 1. to 4. c.c, in a wineglass of sherry after meals. As 
it is slowly absorbed it is probable that it is eliminated in greater 
part by the bronchial mucous membrane. Since it does not irri- 
tate the gastro -intestinal tract nor the kidneys it is the method 
of choice in the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis.] 

VI. [GUAIACOLUM. 

GUAIACOL. (Notofficial.)— C 6 H 4 OHOCH 3 =i23.7i.] Synonym.— 
Methyl Pyrocatechin. [A liquid constituting from 60 to 90 per cent, of Creo- 
sote, which is mainly composed of this and Creosol. 

Source. — By fractional distillation of Beech-wood Tar ; treated with 
Ammonia to remove acid compounds, and then again fractionated. 

Characters. — A colorless, highly refractive liquid, of a strongly aromatic 
odor. Sp. gr., 1. 1 17. Solubility. — Very slightly in water, readily in Alco- 
hol and Ether. 

Dose, 2 to 10 m. ; .12 to .60 c.c. 

VII. GUAIACOLI BENZOAS. 

GUAIACOL BENZOATE. (Not official.)— C 6 H 4 OHC 6 HC 5 2 == 
203.49. Synonyms. — Benzosol. Benzoyl Guaiacol. 

Source. — This is prepared by adding to an alcoholic solution of Guaiacol, 
Potassium Hydroxide, forming Potassium Guaiacol, which is heated in a 
water-bath with Benzoyl Chloride. Benzoyl Guaiacol is formed and purified 
by re- crystallization from Alcohol. 

Characters. — A colorless, odorless and tasteless crystalline powder. 
Solubility. — Almost insoluble in water; readily soluble in Ether and Chloroform. 

Dose, 2 to 10 gr. ; .12 to .60 gm. 

. VIII. GUAIACOLI CARBONAS. 
GUAIACOL CARBONATE. (Not official.)— (C 6 H 4 OCH 3 ) 2 C0 2 = 

257-39. 

Source. — Bypassing Phosgene gas (COCl 2 ) into Guaiacol, previously dis- 
solved in a Soda solution. The Carbonate is obtained by crystallization. 

Characters. — A white, neutral crystalline powder, almost odorless and 
tasteless. Solubility. — Insoluble in water ; soluble in Ether and Chloroform. 

Dose, 5 to 30 gr. ; .30 to 2.00 gm. 



CARBON AND ITS COMPOUNDS. 337 

IX. GUAIACOLI SALICYLAS. 

GUAIACOL SALICYLATE. (Not official. )— C 6 H 4 OHC0 2 C 6 H 4 - 
OCH 3 =243.42. 

Source. — By the action of Phosphorus Oxychloride on a mixture of 
Sodium Guaiacol and Salicylate. 

Characters. — A white crystalline, odorless and tasteless powder. Solu- 
bility. — Insoluble in water ; soluble in Alcohol, Ether and Chloroform. 

Dose, 5 to 30 gr. ; .30 to 2.00 gm.] 

Action and Uses of Guaiacol. 

External. — Guaiacol is antiseptic. If painted on the skin 
over an area of from 4 to 20 square inches [10. to 50. sq. cm.], 
it reduces pyrexia, but it is not used for this purpose as it causes 
sweating and collapse. 

Internal. — [It is less likely than creosote to irritate the intes- 
tinal canal and kidneys. Benzosol was introduced as a nearly 
tasteless combination for the administration of guaiacol. In the 
digestive tract it splits up into guaiacol and benzoic acid. As an 
intestinal disinfectant it has proved to be of service in the treat- 
ment of diabetes mellitus. The carbonate and salicylate have 
been used as substitutes for guaiacol, and are in many cases pref- 
erable to it. Guaiacol especially the carbonate] has been much 
given in phthisis, for it is believed to aid the destruction of the 
bacilli in the lungs, but although widely used there is no [abso- 
lutely] certain evidence that it [does this. The carbonate has 
given excellent results in the treatment of typhoid fever in limit- 
ing the decomposition in the intestines]. 

X. CREOLINUM. 

[CREOLIN. (Not official.) — A solution of the higher homologues of 
Phenol. 

Source. — Creolin is derived from coal by dry distillation, and consists of 
a mixture of the sodium salts of some resinous acids with Creolin Oil and 
Pyridines. 

CHARACTERS. — A dark brown, syrupy alkaline liquid. It forms a turbid, 
milky mixture with water, which has the characteristic, rather pleasant, odor 
of the preparation. 

Dose, 1 to 5 m. ; .06 to .30 c.c. 

22 



33& inorganic materia medica. 

Action and Uses of Creolin. 

Creolin is a non-irritating but powerful antiseptic, frequently 
used in place of carbolic acid. It is used pure, in 2 per cent, 
solution, in an ointment or as a soap, 10 per cent. It has been 
given internally in gastric fermentation, dysentery and typhoid 
fever. Toxic symptoms have been observed, but they are rarely 
encountered.] Teyes' disinfectant preparations contain creolin. 

XI. LYSOLUM. 

[LYSOL. (Not official.) — A substance containing about 50 per cent, of 
Cresol. 

Source. — From tar oil by dissolving in fat and saponifying with Alcohol. 

Characters. — A brown, oily-looking clear liquid, with a feeble aromatic 
odor. Solubility. — Soluble in all proportions in water (forming a clear, froth- 
ing, saponaceous liquid), in Alcohol, Chloroform and Glycerin. 

Action and Uses of Lysol. 

Lysol is an antiseptic, about one-eighth as poisonous as car- 
bolic acid, and even less poisonous than creolin, used in from 
one-half to two per cent, aqueous solution. The literature is 
extensive and generally favorable.] Lysol does not affect in- 
struments but may make them difficult to hold, as it is a solution 
of tar oils in a neutral soap. Izal is a coal tar derivative [chiefly 
used in England, possessing similar properties and used for the 
same purposes.] 

XII. IODOFORMUM. 

IODOFORM.— CHI 3 [=392.56.] Synonym. — Tri-iodomethane. 

Source. — Heat together Alcohol, Iodine, Potassium Bicarbonate, and 
water. C 2 H 6 0-|^I+2KHC0 3 =2CHI 3 +2KI+3H 2 0-f2C0 2 . 

Characters. — [Small lemon-yellow, lustrous crystals of the hexagonal 
system, having a peculiar, very penetrating and persistent odor somewhat re- 
sembling that of Saffron and Iodine, and an unpleasant, slightly sweetish, and 
Iodine-like taste. Solubility. — Very slightly in water; soluble in 52 parts of 
Alcohol; freely in fixed "and Volatile Oils, Ether and Chloroform.] It con- 
tains 96.7 per cent, of Iodine. 

Dose, 1 to 3 gr. ; [.06 to .20 gm.] 

Preparation. 
Unguentum Iodoformi. — [Iodoform Ointment. Iodoform, 10; 
Benzoinated Lard, 90.] 



carbon and its compounds. 339 

Action of Iodoform. 

External. — Iodoform is [anaesthetic], antiseptic and dis- 
infectant, if we may judge by the results obtained in clinical 
practice ; but the experimental evidence that it has no power to 
hinder the development of Staphylococcus pyogenes, Bacillus 
subtilis, and other micro-organisms, is very strong, for all, ex- 
cept one or two experimenters state that it has no antiseptic 
properties. The reason for these discrepancies is this : Iodoform 
only acts as an antiseptic after its decomposition, which results 
in the liberation of free iodine. The fats always present in tis- 
sues dissolve it. When dissolved it is easily decomposed by 
many agents, such as light, oxygen, living cells, or ptomaines, 
which would have no effect on it if it were undissolved. By one 
or more of these it is, when dissolved after [having been] dusted 
upon a wound, slowly decomposed. Iodine is thus set free 
rapidly enough to act as an antiseptic, but not rapidly enough 
to act as an irritant. 

Internal. — Not much is known about the internal action of 
iodoform. It is eliminated in all the secretions, but chiefly in 
the urine, as iodine, iodides, and iodates. They may be found 
in the urine for three days after administration of iodoform. 

Therapeutics of Iodoform. 

External. — Iodoform is much used as a local stimulant, an- 
tiseptic and disinfectant. The clinical testimony as to its value 
is overwhelming. [Before using, since iodoform itself, as above 
explained, is not antiseptic, it must be disinfected by washing in 
a i to 2000 solution of corrosive mercuric chloride and preserved 
while damp, in closed, sterile jars.] 

Its anaesthetic influence diminishes the pain, if there is any, 
of the sores to which it is applied. It is an excellent application 
for all sorts of ulcers, sores and wounds, but especially for tuber- 
culous and syphilitic ulcerations and chancres. Powdered iodo- 
form is usually [dusted] upon them. Wounds and venereal 
sores are often painted with a solution of it in collodion (i in 12 
of flexible collodion). This is an excellent application. Mixed 



34-0 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

with bismuth subnitrate, it is useful as an insufflation (iodoform, 
i ; starch, 2 ;) for ozasna, ulcers of the mouth and throat, and 
tuberculous ulcers of the larynx. Often -i gr. [.02 gm.] of mor- 
phine acetate is added. An emulsion (iodoform, moistened with 
alcohol, 1 ; boiling water, 2 ; glycerin, 7 ;) is very useful for in- 
jection into sinuses, abscess cavities, etc. It has been used in 
the form of a bougie for the urethra and for the nose. The sup- 
pository [B. P., each 3 gr.; .20 gm., in 12 gr. ; .80 gm. of oil 
of theobroma] is useful in painful conditions of the rectum. It 
is occasionally employed for pruritus, and to relieve the pain 
of neuralgia. Many attempts have been made to get rid of its 
odor; balsam of Peru, musk, or creolin (2 per cent.) have been 
used, but oil of geranium (1 to 25) is best. [Some believe that 
the odor of iodoform is preferable to that of musk. By keeping 
a Tonka bean or ground roasted coffee with it, the odor is 
lessened.] 

Internal. — Iodoform has not been found to be of any use 
internally. It has been tried unsuccessfully in phthisis and 

many other conditions. 

Toxicology. 

Symptoms. — Curious symptoms, often severe and sometimes ending in 
death, are occasionally observed after the application of iodoform to a raw sur- 
face. They are a quick pulse, gastro-intestinal irritation, fever, rapid collapse, 
melancholia, hallucinations, dilated pupils, extensive erythema and perhaps 
eczema. These symptoms vary much in severity, and it is rare for more than 
two or three of them to be present at once. Fatty degeneration of the liver 
and muscles may occur. 

[ Treatment. ] — Stimulants, diaphoretics and sponging the skin with warm 
water are recommended. 

XIII. [ARISTOLUM. 

ARISTOL. (Not official).— C 20 H 24 O 2 I 2 =548. 38. Synonyms.— Di- 
thymoldiiodide. Annidalin. 

Source. — It is prepared by the decomposition of a solution of Iodine in 
Potassium Iodide, by Thymol dissolved in a solution of Sodium Hydroxide. 
The precipitate is washed with water and dried. It contains 46 per cent, 
of Iodine. 

Characters. — An amorphous brownish-red, almost tasteless powder, of a 
slight, peculiar, iodine-like odor. Solubility. — Insoluble in water and Glyc- 
erin ; soluble in Ether and Chloroform ; with difficulty soluble in Alcohol ; it 
is readily taken up by fixed oils and Petrolatum. 



CARBON AND ITS COMPOUNDS. 34 1 

Action and Uses of Aristol. 

It is used for the same purposes as is iodoform in various 
skin diseases, as lupus, psoriasis and for tertiary syphilis, both in 
ointment, lanolin, flexible collodion and as a powder. It has the 
very great advantage of being nearly free from odor. In surgery 
when dusted upon serous membranes it tends to prevent their 
adhesion. 

XIV. IODOLUM. 

IODOL. (Not official). — C 4 I 4 NH=569.oi. Synonym. — Tetraiodopyrrol. 

Source. — From the interaction of Iodine and Pyrrol in Alcoholic solution. 
It contains 90 per cent, of Iodine. 

Characters. — A pale-yellow, bulky powder, odorless and tasteless. It 
becomes dark in color on exposure to light. Solubility. — Insoluble in water ; 
soluble in Alcohol, Ether and fixed oils. 

Dose, y 2 to 3 gr. ; .03 to .20 gm. 

Action and Uses of Iodol. 

Iodol was introduced as an antiseptic iodine compound, and 
is used for the same purpose as iodoform, for which it is a fre- 
quent substitute. It has been administered internally as a sub- 
stitute for potassium iodide. 

XV. EUROPHEN. 

EUROPHEN. (Not official.) — Synonym. — Diisobutylorthocresol iodide. 
— C 22 H 29 2 I=45o.79. This should be distinguished from Europhin. 

Source. — It is prepared in the same way as is Aristol except that Isobutyl- 
orthocresol is used in place of Thymol. It contains 28 per cent, of Iodine. 

Characters. — It is an amorphous, golden-yellow powder of a slightly 
saffron-like odor. Solubility. — In Alcohol, Ether, and in about 4 parts of 
Olive Oil ; insoluble in water or Glycerin. 

Action and Uses of Europhen. 

Europhen is permanent when dry, but when moistened splits 
up into iodine and a new soluble iodine compound. It is a 
powerful germicide and bactericide, and is used for wounds and 
for like purposes as is iodoform, and in the same quantities.] 

Various iodoform-like substances (not official) are found in the market 
which depend for their antiseptic properties upon the iodine in them. They 



342 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

have no advantage over iodoform except that some of them have no odor. 
The following are the chief : 

Losophan contains 80.0 per cent, of iodine. 

Di-iodosalicylic acid " 66.0 " " 

Sozoiodol " 54.0 " " 

Iodosalicylic acid " 50.0 " " 

XVI. [NAPHTALINUM. 

NAPHTALIN.— C 10 H 8 =i 27. 7. Synonym.— Naphtalene. 

Source. — A Hydrocarbon obtained from Coal Tar by distillation between 
356 and 482 F. ; 180 and 250 C. The impure Naphtalin is treated suc- 
cessively with Sodium Hydroxide and Sulphuric Acid, and is purified by dis- 
tillation in the presence of steam, and by treating with concentrated Sulphuric 
Acid and distilling. 

Characters. — Colorless, shining, transparent laminae, having a strong, 
characteristic odor resembling that of Coal Tar, and a burning aromatic taste ; 
slowly volatilized on exposure to air. Solubility. — Insoluble in water ; soluble 
in 15 parts of Alcohol, very soluble in Ether, Chloroform, Carbon Disulphide, 
and fixed or Volatile Oils. 

Dose, 1 to 20 gr. ; .06 to 1.20 gm. 

Action and Uses of Naphtalin. 
Since naphtalin is not absorbed by the system, it acts only 
upon the mucous membrane of the bowels. It is a true intestinal 
antiseptic, and is of great value in dysentery, and in catarrhal, 
typhoid and tuberculous diarrhoea, where it markedly lessens or 
entirely abolishes the foetor of the movements. It has also been 
used as a vermifuge (dose, 3 to 6 gr. ; .20 to .40 gm.). Suc- 
cess in the treatment of dysentery usually requires a daily dose 
of from one to two drachms ; 4. to 8. gm., best administered in 
starch wafers with oil of bergamot. 

XVII. NAPHTOL. 

NAPHTOL.— C 10 H 7 OH=i43.66. Synonym.— Beta-Naphtol. A phenol 
occurring in Coal Tar, but usually prepared artificially from Naphtalin. 

Source. — Concentrated Sulphuric Acid is allowed to act on Naphtalin, 
whereby /3-Naphtalin Sulphonic Acid is formed (C 10 H 7 HSO 3 ). This acid is 
dissolved in water, saturated with Milk of Lime, and the resulting Calcium 
Salt separated by crystallization. The crystals are re-dissolved in water and 
decomposed by Sodium Carbonate, yielding Sodium Naphtalin-Sulphonate 
(C 10 H 7 SO 3 Na). The Sodium Salt is next added to fused Sodium Hydroxide 
and Sodium-Naphtol C 10 H 7 ONa, and Sodium Sulphite NaS0 3 is formed. The 



CARBON AND ITS COMPOUNDS. 343 

former is treated with Hydrochloric Acid and Naphtol is obtained, which is 
puritied by sublimation and re- crystallization from hot water. 

Characters. — Colorless, or pale buff-colored, shining, crystalline laminae, 
or a white, or yellowish- white, crystalline powder, having a faint, phenol- like 
odor, and a sharp and pungent but not persistent taste. Solubility. — In about 
1000 parts of water, and in 0.75 part of Alcohol ; very soluble in Ether, 
Chloroform or solutions of caustic alkalies. 

Dose, 1 to 20 gr. ; .06 to 1.20 gm. 

Action and Uses of Naphtol. 

Naphtol was introduced as an antiseptic, at first in dermato- 
logical practice as a 10 per cent, ointment, in scabies, ringworm 
and psoriasis ; it is, however, irritating in eczema. It is a remedy 
of great value in obtaining intestinal antisepsis, bacteriological 
investigations showing that it destroys certain micro-organisms 
in situ when administered to the extent of 40 gr. ; 2.70 gm. per 
day. As it is irritating to the stomach it can be administered in 
keratin -coated pills.] It is useful for cases of dilated stomach. 

XVIII. [ASAPROLUM. 

ASAPROL. (Not official).— (C 10 H 6 OHSO 3 ) 2 Ca+3H 2 O=538.83. Syn- 
onym. — Calcium Beta-naphtol alpha-monosulphonate. 

Source. — By action of free Sulphuric Acid on Beta-Naphtol, neutralizing 
this product with Calcium Carbonate, concentration and crystallization. 

Characters. — A colorless, or yellowish-white, crystalline powder, of a 
slightly bitter taste, becoming darker on exposure to light. Solubility. — In 1. 5 
parts of water ; in 3 parts of Alcohol. 

Dose, 15 to 60 gr. ; 1. to 4. gm. 

Action and Uses of Asaprol. 

Asaprol is an useful, soluble and safe antiseptic. It is valuable 
in epidemic influenza, relieving the pain and reducing the fever, 
not giving rise to prostration nor interference with the heart or 
respiration. In atonic dyspepsia, when fermentation alternates 
with acid eructations, it has achieved brilliant results. Since it is 
not irritating to the alimentary mucous membranes, it can advan- 
tageously replace naphtol. In chronic rheumatism it will relieve 
the pain of an acute exacerbation. In acute rheumatism, al- 
though it does not present the disadvantages of the salicylates, it 
is not so useful, nor so uniformly successful.] 



344 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 



XIX. RESORCINUM. 



RESORCIN.— [C 6 H 4 (OH) 2 =io9.74. Synonyms.— Resorcinol. Meta- 
dioxybenzol. 

Source. — This is a diatomic phenol obtained by heating Benzene with 
fuming Sulphuric Acid, whereby Benzene Metadisulphonic Acid is formed 
(C 6 H 4 (HS0 3 ) 2 ). The acid is dissolved in water, neutralized with Milk of Lime, 
the Calcium Sulphate expressed, Sodium Carbonate added, filtered and the fil- 
trate evaporated to dryness. The residue is then heated with Caustic Soda 
and Sodium Resorcin (C 6 H 4 (ONa) 2 ) is formed ; continuous boiling expels the 
Sulphurous Acid, and the residue is extracted with Ether and impure Resorcin 
obtained by distillation. This is purified by sublimation or re-crystallization 
from water. 

Characters. — Colorless or faintly reddish, needle-shaped crystals or 
rhombic plates, having a faint, peculiar odor, and a disagreeable, sweetish and 
afterwards pungent taste, acquiring a reddish or brownish tint by exposure to 
light and air. Solubility. — In 0.6 part of water, and in 0.5 part of Alcohol ; 
also readily soluble in Ether or Glycerin ; very slightly soluble in Chloroform. 

Dose, 2 to 5 gr. ; .12 to .30 gm.] 

Action and Uses of Resorcin. 

This substance, originally introduced as an antipyretic, is now 
rarely employed for this purpose, as [the necessarily large doses 
are] too depressant to the heart. A solution of resorcin in gly- 
cerin, 1 to 4, is excellent for removing epidermic scales in chronic 
skin diseases, and also for getting rid of the [scales] in seborrhcea 
sicca of the scalp ; [here it doubtless inhibits the action of the 
bacteria which may be the cause of dandruff.] A lotion : Resor- 
cin, 1 ; ether, 1 ; castor oil, 1 ; eau de cologne, 10 ; alcohol (90 
per cent. ), 35 ; is useful for dandruff and alopecia. Resorcin is 
a powerful antiseptic, and a 5 per cent, solution may be injected 
into the bladder in cystitis. [It is of great value in fermentative 
dyspepsia when administered, well diluted, one hour after inges- 
tion of food. Dark -.colored urine, often described as smoky, is 
sometimes seen after large doses.] 

XX. FORMALDEHYDUM. 

FORMALDEHYDE. (Not official.) -CH 2 [=29. 93. Synonyms.— 
Formal. Formic Aldehyde. A gas soluble in water. The solution known 
as Formalin contains about 40 per cent, of the gas. 

Source. — It is obtained by the oxidation of methylic alcohol at a moder- 
ately high temperature or by passing the vapor over red-hot metal. 



CARBON AND ITS COMPOUNDS. 345 

Characters. — The solution of Formaldehyde is colorless, having a pecu- 
liar odor and an irritative taste. Solubility. — Readily i n water and in Alcohol. 

Action and Therapeutics of Formaldehyde. 

Formaldehyde is a powerful disinfectant. It hardens the skin 
and is irritant to the respiratory mucous membranes. It is used 
diluted with twenty-five times its bulk of water as a preservative 
for anatomical specimens, which do not shrink in it, and, in i to 
60 aqueous solution, as a hardening agent in histological work. 
As a germicide it is about equal to corrosive mercuric chloride, 
but is not much used in surgery as it retards healing. As a pow- 
erful disinfectant it can be employed for large rooms, when vola- 
tilized in a special lamp. It does not bleach colored fabrics. 
The penetrating power of the gas depends largely upon the con- 
ditions of moisture, although under favorable circumstances it 
may be considerable. If the micro-organisms are exposed they 
will be destroyed within a half hour by a quart ; 960 c.c, vola- 
tilized in a room fifteen feet square, and ten feet in height ; if 
protected, within an hour and a half. Small animals accidentally 
confined in rooms undergoing this process rarely survive, when 
it is properly carried out (Harrington). 

XXI. UROTROPINUM. 

UROTROPIN. (Not official. )—C 6 H 12 N 4 :=i 39. 86. Synonym.— Hexa- 
methylentetramin. 

Source. — It is obtained by the action of 4 molecules of Ammonia on 6 
molecules of Formaldehyde : 4H 3 N+6CH 2 0=C 6 H 12 N 4 -f 6H 2 0. 

Characters. — It occurs as colorless, transparent, six-sided rhomboids or 
prisms, of a sweetish, afterwards bitter taste, which are permanent when kept 
dry. It is odorless at ordinary temperatures, but heating evolves a peculiar 
fishy odor. Solubility. — Readily in 1.25 parts of water, in Chloroform, Alco- 
hol, Acetone, and Carbon Bisulphide ; insoluble in Ether. 

Incompatibles. — All acids decompose it in the presence of warmth. 

Dose, 7 to 15 gr. ; .50 to 1.00 gm. in full tumbler of plain or carbonated 
water. ' 

Action of Urotropin. 

Large doses in man, e.g. , 150 grains ; 10 gm., are well borne ; 
intravenous injections in rabbits and dogs do not increase, but, 
rather, slightly lower blood-pressure. Very large doses cause 



34-6 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

albuminuria in rabbits and hematuria in dogs. Of most im- 
portance is the inhibitory action of this remedy upon micro- 
organisms when it is split up into formaldehyde and ammonia, 
the former being the active agent. This takes place for the 
most part, after ingestion, in the urine, which is not only of the 
proper temperature but also contains uric acid and acid salts 
which are efficient. Further, as Bardet showed, it will dissolve 
uric acid at the temperature of the body. Lastly, it may or may 
not produce diuresis. 

Therapeutics of Urotropin. 

This remedy is of especial value in diseases of the urinary 
passages. In ammoniacal fermentation of the urine, which is 
especially frequent in the cystitis of prostatic hypertrophy, the 
maximum dose given for two or three successive days is efficient 
in clearing that excretion. Inasmuch as the growth of the 
micro-organisms is inhibited, the remedy should be continued in 
sufficient amount to maintain this result. In gonorrhoeal pos- 
terior urethritis, cystitis and pyelitis the results are equally favor- 
able. It may be employed as a prophylactic measure before 
operations upon the genito-urinary tract. For the uric acid 
diathesis it has been used with good results by most, with failure 
by a very few, physicians. Since it is not always diuretic, other 
measures should be employed for this purpose. As a lithontriptic 
some success has been claimed. For phosphaturia excellent re- 
sults are reported. Inasmuch as the bacillus of enteric fever is 
found in a very considerable percentage of urines from patients 
suffering from this disease, and failure to disinfect this excretion 
is a source of danger, urotropin should be administered not only 
for this purpose but as well to avoid the cystitis which sometimes 
supervenes in the course of the disease.] 

XXII. SACCHARINUM. 

SACCHARIN. (B. P., not official).— C 6 H 4 COS0 2 NH=[i68.65.] 
Synonyms. — Glusidum, [B. P.] Benzoyl- sulphonic-imide. Glucusimide. 
Gluside. 

Source. — It is derived from Toluene, C 6 H 5 CH 3 , a derivative of coal tar, by 
a complicated process. 



CARBON AND ITS COMPOUNDS. 347 

Characters. — A light, white, crystalline powder. In solution it has an 
intensely sweet taste ; I of Saccharin is equal to 300 of cane sugar. Solubility. 
— In 400 parts of cold water ; in 24 parts of boiling water ; in 500 parts 
of Chloroform ; in 25 parts of Alcohol ; in 48 parts of Glycerin. It unites with 
alkaline hydrates and carbonates, evolving from the latter Carbon [dioxide], 
and yields soluble Saccharin, which has lost none of its sweetness, and is very 
soluble in water. 

Impurities. — Commercial Saccharin is not a pure or uniform product ; it 
often contains less than 50 per cent, of actual Saccharin. 

Dose, y z to 2 gr. ; [.03 to .12 gm.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Saccharin. 

[Saccharin] is an antiseptic, but it is not used as such, [ex- 
cepting in the surgery of the bladder.] It is employed as a 
sweetening agent, when from any cause, as in diabetes [mel- 
litus], sugar cannot be taken. It may be. given in tablets, or 
with sodium carbonate to form soluble solutions. An elixir is 
prepared, containing [saccharin, 2 ; sodium bicarbonate (90 per 
cent.), ij alcohol, 5; and water, 35 parts.] This is excellent 
for covering the taste of nauseous medicines. Usually 20 m. 
[1.20 c.c] are required for a four-ounce [125. c.c] mixture. 

XXIII. METHYLENE BLUE. 

METHYLENE BLUE. (Not official.)— Synonym.— Tetramethyl- 
thionin chloride. [C 16 N 18 N 3 SCl=3i8.90. 

Source. — By treating dimethylparaphenylenediamine (NH 2 C 6 H 4 N(CH 3 ) 2 ) 
in an acid solution with Hydrogen Sulphide and Ferric Chloride. 

Characters. — In small, blue, scaly crystals, with a copper-bronze tinge. 
Solubility. — Readily in water. 

Dose, 1 to 5 gr. ; .06 to .30 gm. 

Action and Uses of Methylene Blue. 

Methylene blue (not to be confounded with methyl blue) has 
been introduced into medicine as antiseptic. It has been used 
for rheumatism of the joints and muscles. Lately it has been 
given for intermittent fevers, but the reports show that it pos- 
sesses no advantage over quinine excepting that it is tasteless and 
may be substituted for it if it cannot be taken or it has been un- 
successfully used. Recent reports indicate that even when given 
internally it causes gonococci to rapidly disappear from the 



34-8 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

urine in specific urethritis. As to its effects upon inoperable 
neoplasms when injected into them clinical reports differ widely. 
It imparts a blue color to nerve substance and a like color to the 
urine. It may produce irritation at the neck of the bladder, 
which about 30 gr. ; 2 gm. of powdered nutmeg is said to relieve.] 
It has been used as an analgesic in neuralgia, migraine, sciatica, 
and rheumatism. 

XXIV. [PIPERAZINUM. 

PIPERAZINE. (Not official).— C 4 H 10 N 2 =85.9. Synonyms.— Piperazi- 
dine. Diefhylenediamine. Dispermine. 

(This drug is antiseptic only so far as its clearing the urine of pathological 
products prevents decomposition. It is placed here for convenience. ) 

Source. — By the action of Ammonia on Ethylene Chloride. The mixture 
of bases is fractionated, and from the fraction boiling between 266 F. ; 130 
C, and 356 F. ; 180 C, Piperazine separates on cooling. 

Characters. — It occurs in colorless, well-defined, acicular crystals, 
readily soluble in water. In cold, aqueous solutions, it will dissolve twelve 
times as much Uric Acid as will Lithium Carbonate. 

Dose, 8 to 15 gr. ; .50 to 1.00 gm. 

Action and Uses of Piperazine. 

Piperazine is believed to increase slightly the amount of urea 
in the urine, while the uric acid co-efficient is diminished. The 
testimony as to its diuretic action is conflicting, but the weight 
of clinical evidence is in favor of its being a reliable diuretic. 
In ordinary doses it does not appear to have any influence upon 
the nervous, circulatory or respiratory systems ; nor does it irri- 
tate the gastro-intestinal or the genito-urinary tract. There is 
much clinical testimony as to the value of this drug in gout, 
goutiness (uricacidsemia) and rheumatism. It is here given in 
water containing carbon dioxide. It is so highly hygroscopic 
that it cannot be administered as pill or powder.] 



Part II.— ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Section I.— PHARMACOPGEIAL SUBSTANCES DERIVED FROM 
THE VEGETABLE KINGDOM. 

The drugs comprehended in this section may be arranged in many ways ; 
but there are objections to each. Inasmuch as the medical student should be 
well acquainted with the actions of these drugs in health and disease, those 
which act similarly will be grouped together. In Appendix I a list of these 
drugs, arranged according to their Natural Orders, will be found. 

GROUP I. 

Vegetable Drugs acting chiefly on the Nervous System. 

These may be classified as follows : 
Class I. — Acting on the cerebrum. 

A. Cerebral depressants or soporifics : 

Opium, Hops, [Lactucarium, Pellotine], 

B. Cerebral excitants : 

f Belladonna. ^ Also act on nerve endings 

I Stramonium. Y in glands and involuntary 

Deliriants ^ Hyoscyamus. ' muscle. 
Duboisine. 
I Cannabis Indica. 
Caffeine, [Guarana.] 

Class II. — Acting on the spinal cord. 

A. Exciting the cells of the anterior cornua. [Nux Vomica,] 

Strychnine. 

B. Depressing the cells of the anterior cornua. Calabar bean, 

[Muscarine], Gelsemium. 

Class III. — Acting on the nerves. 

A. Depressing the motor nerves. Conium, Tobacco. 

B. Depressing the motor end plates. Curare. 

c. Depressing the sensory nerves. [Coca], Cocaine. 
D. Stimulating the secretory nerves. Pilocarpus. 

(349) 



350 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Class I.— DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE CEREBRUM. 
[A. Cerebral Depressants or Soporifics.] 

OPIUM. 

OPIUM. — [The concrete, milky exudation obtained by incising the un- 
ripe capsules of Papaver somniferum Linne (nat. ord. Papaverace<z), and 
yielding, in its normal, moist condition, not less than 9 per cent, of crystal- 
lized morphine, when assayed. Synonym. — Poppy. Habitat. — Western 
Asia; cultivated.] 

Characters. — [In irregular or subglobular cakes, with the remnants 
of poppy leaves and fruits of a species of Rumex adhering to the surface ; 
plastic, or of a harder consistence ; chestnut-brown or darker, and somewhat 
shining ; internally showing some tears and fragments of vegetable tissue. It 
has a sharp, narcotic odor, and a peculiar, bitter taste. 

Varieties. — The above is the official opium ; but the following are met 
with in commerce, and may be used to prepare the alkaloids :] {a) Constanti- 
nople Opium, small lenticular masses, ^ to y z lb. [120. to 240. gm.] in 
weight, and enclosed in a poppy leaf, but without the Rumex seeds. Some- 
times the terms Turkey and Levant Opium include this, (b) Egyptian Opium. 
Flat, more or less circular cakes, two or three in. [5. to 7.5 cm.] in diameter, 
reddish hue internally, covered with a leaf externally. Persian, Indian, 
English, French and German opiums are rarely met with in England. 

Composition. — (1) Alkaloids. — At least [nineteen] in number. Most 
are combined with Meconic Acid, some with Sulphuric Acid, and some are 
free. Some Morphine Salts, and Codeine are official. These two alkaloids 
and Narceine and Thebaine are important. The following are the alkaloids 
existing in Opium : 

Morphine [(2.5 to 22.8 per cent.).] Hydrocotarnine -> 
Codeine [(0.2 to 0.7 per cent.).] Laudanine 
Thebaine [(0.15 to 1 per cent.).] Laudanosine 
Narcotine [(1.3 to 10 per cent.).] Meconidine 

Narceine [(o. I to o. 7 per cent.). ] Rhceadine f t in minut e quantity. ] 

Papaverine [(1 per cent.).] Codamine 

Pseudomorphine [(0.2 per cent.).] Gnoscopine 
Protopine ^ Lanthropine J 

Oxynarcotine \ [in minute quantity. Deuteropine (not known in pure state).] 
Cryptopine J 

[Narcotine is more properly called Anarcotine. Apomorphine is an arti- 
ficial alkaloid.] 

(2) Neutral bodies. — Two in number : 

Meconin. Meconoiasin. 

(3) Organic acids. — Two in number : 

Meconic Acid, [official in B. P.] Thebolactic Acid. 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 35 1 

(4) Water, \abouf\ 16 per cent. 

(5) Mucilage, resin \_pectin,~\ glucose, fats, essential oil, caoutchouc, odor- 
ous substances, and ammonium, calcium and magnesium salts. 

The following analysis shows how specimens vary : 

Patna Opium 3.98 per cent, of Morphine, 6.36 per cent, of Anarcotine. 

Smyrna " 8.27 " " 1.94 " " 

Impurities. — Water, stones, fruits, leaves, starch, [gum, and lead balls.] 
Incompatibles. — Ferric chloride gives a deep red color (due to Meconic 
Acid). Zinc, copper and arsenic salts, silver nitrate, lead acetate and subace- 
tate, give precipitates of meconates, sulphates and coloring matters. All tan- 
nin-containing preparations precipitate codeine tannate. Fixed alkalies, their 
carbonates and ammonia precipitate morphine and [a]narcotine. The small 
amount of glucose in opium may cause it to explode when made into a pill with 
silver nitrate. 

Dose, X to 2 gr. ; [.015 to .12 gm.] 

[OPII PULVIS. — Powdered Opium. Opium dried at a temperature 
not exceeding 185 F. ; 85 C, and reduced to a very fine powder. 

Powdered Opium, for pharmaceutical or medicinal purposes, when assayed, 
should yield not less than 13 nor more than 15 per cent, of Crystallized Mor- 
phine. Any Powdered Opium of a higher percentage may be brought within 
these limits by admixture with Powdered Opium of a lower percentage, in 
proper proportions. 

Dose, ^ to 2 gr. ; .015 to .12 gm.] 

Preparations. 

1. [Extractum Opii. — Extract of Opium. Powdered Opium, 
100 ; Distilled Water, 1000 ; Sugar of Milk, a sufficient quantity ; by 
trituration, filtration and evaporation. 

Dose, yi to 1 gr. ; .008 to .06 gm. 

2. Emplastrum Opii. — Opium Plaster. Extract of Opium, 60 ; 
Burgundy Pitch, 180 ; Lead Plaster, 780; water, 80. 

3. Trochisci Glycyrrhizse et Opii. — Troches of Glycyrrhiza and 
Opium. Extract of Glycyrrhiza, 15 ; Powdered Opium, 0.5 ; Acacia, 
12 ; Sugar, 20 gm. ; Oil of Anise, 0.2 c.c. To make 100 troches. 
Each troche contains about ^ gr. ; .005 gm., of Opium. 

Dose, 1 to 4 troches. 

4. Vinum Opii. — Wine of Opium. Synonym. — Sydenham's 
Laudanum. Powdered Opium, 100 ; Cassia Cinnamon, 10 ; Cloves 
10 ; Alcohol, 150 ; White Wine to 1000 ; by maceration and filtration. 

Dose, 3 to 20 m. ; .20 to 1.20 c.c. 

5. Pilulae Opii. — Pills of Opium. Powdered Opium, 6.5; Soap, 
2 gm. To make 100 pills. Each pill contains I gr. ; .06 gm., of 
Opium. 

Dose, 1 to 2 pills. 



35^ ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

6. Pulvis Ipecacuanhae et Opii. — Powder of Ipecac and Opium. 
Synonym. — Dover's Powder. Powdered Opium, io; Ipecac, io; 
Sugar of Milk, 80. 

Dose, 3 to 15 gr. ; .20 to 1.00 gm. 

7. Acetum Opii. — Vinegar of Opium. Synonym. — Black Drop. 
Powdered Opium, 100 ; Nutmeg, 30 ; Sugar, 200 ; Diluted Acetic 
Acid to 1000 ; by maceration and percolation. 

Dose, 3 to 20 m. ; .20 to 1.20 c.c. 

8. Tinctura Opii. — Tincture of Opium. Synonym.— Laudanum, 
Powdered Opium, 100 ; Alcohol, 400 ; Water, 400 ; Diluted Alcohol 
to 1000 ; by maceration with Precipitated Calcium Phosphate, 50 ; and 
percolation. 

Dose, 3 to 20 m. ; .20 to 1.20 c.c. 

9. Tinctura Opii Camphorata. — Camphorated Tincture of 
Opium. Synonym. — Paregoric. Powdered Opium, 4 ; Benzoic Acid, 
4 ; Camphor, 4 ; Oil of Anise, 4 ; Glycerin, 4 ; Diluted Alcohol to 
1000 ; by maceration and percolation. 

Dose, 1 to 4 fi. dr. ; 4. to 15. c.c. 

10. Opium Deodoratum. — Deodorized Opium. Synonym. — 
Opium Denarcotisatum. Powdered Opium (containing 13 to 15 per 
cent, of Morphine), 100 ; macerated with Ether, 700 ; the clear solu- 
tion poured off, and macerated twice with Ether, 350. The residue is 
dried and mixed with Sugar of Milk by trituration to weigh loo parts. 

Dose, X to 2 S T - > - 0I 5 to • I2 S m - 

11. Tinctura Opii Deodorati. — Tincture of Deodorized Opium. 
Powdered Opium, 100 ; Ether, 200 ; Alcohol, 200 ; Water to 1000. 
By maceration with Precipitated Calcium Phosphate, 50 ; by percola- 
tion and evaporation. 

Dose, 3 to 20 m. ; .20 to 1.20 c.c. 

12. Tinctura Ipecacuanhae et Opii. — Tincture of Ipecac and 
Opium. Tincture of Deodorized Opium, 1000 ; Fluid Extract of Ipe- 
cac, 100 ; Diluted Alcohol to 1000 ; by evaporation and filtration. 

Dose, 3 to 15 m. ; .20 to 1.00 c.c] 

It will be noticed that from [Extract of Opium there is prepared Emplas- 
trum Opii, and from the Deodorized Tincture, Tinctura Ipecacuanhas et Opii. 

The following non-official preparations are sometimes used : — Nepenthe, of 
the same strength as Laudanum, Liquor Opii Sedativus (Battley's solution), 
which is about 50 per cent, stronger than Laudanum, Acetum Opii Crocattim 
(black drop), four times as strong as Laudanum, and Tinctura Opii Ammon- 
iata, B. P. (Scotch Paregoric), about two and one-half times as strong as the 
Camphorated Tincture.] 

The following list, in which the doses are arranged, may assist the student : 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 353 

Name. Dose. % 

— [Extractum Opii . . . . . }£ to I gr. ; [.008 to .06 gm.] 

— Opii Pulvis ) T/i r -. t 

~ . t^ -. V ^ to 2 gr. ; [.015 to .12 gm.| 

— Opium Deodoratum .... J /4 s ' L D s J 

— Pulvis Ipecacuanhas et Opii . 3 to 15 gr. ; [.20 to 1.00 gm.] 

— Tinctura Ipecac et Opii] . . 3 to 15 m. ; [.20 to 1.00 c.c] 

— Vinum Opii ] 

— Tinctura Opii j r -. 

rm . X ■■ ^ • \- 3 to 20 m. : r.20to I.20C.C.1 

— [Tinctura Opn Deodorati . . I ° ' L J 

— Acetum Opii J 

— Tinctura Opii Camphorata . . I to 4 fl. dr. ; [4. to 15. c.c] 

— Piluke Opii I to 2 pills. 

— Trochisci Glycyrrhiza? et Opii] I to 4 troches. 

— Emplastrum Opii .... Externally. 

[ACIDUM MECONICUM.— Meconic Acid (not official). H 3 C 7 HO r 
=199.51. 

Source. — Calcium Meconate, which is precipitated in the manufacture of 
Morphine Hydrochlorate, is placed in hot water and treated with Hydrochloric 
Acid. On cooling, Meconic Acid crystallizes out. 

Characters. — Almost colorless, micaceous crystals. Solubility. — In 150 
parts of water ; in 45 parts of Alcohol ; it is decomposed by boiling water. 

Preparation (not official). 

Liquor Morphinae Bimeconatis. — Solution of Morphine Bime- 
conate. Morphine is precipitated by Ammonia from a solution of the 
hydrochlorate. It is dissolved in water, Alcohol and Meconic Acid. 
Strength, I in 80. 

Dose, 5 to 40 m. ; .30 to 2.50 c.c] 

[MORPH IN A.— Morphine. C 17 H 19 N0 3 +H 2 0=302.34. 

Source. — An Alkaloid obtained from Opium. Opium is macerated with 
distilled water, and strained, the infusion is evaporated and filtered. To the 
filtrate Alcohol and Water of Ammonia are added, and the Morphine crystal- 
lizes out. To purify the crystals, they are boiled with Alcohol, the solution 
filtered, when hot, through Animal Charcoal, and set aside to crystallize. 

Characters. — Colorless or white, shining prismatic crystals, or fine 
needles, or a crystalline powder, having a bitter taste. Solubility. — In 4350 
parts of water. 

Dose, }i to % gr. ; .008 to .015 gm.] 

MORPHINE HYDROCHLORAS. — [Morphine Hydrochlorate. 

C 17 H 19 N0 3 HC1+ 3 H 2 0=37 4 .63. 

Source. — (1) Take a cold concentrated watery solution of Opium, pre- 
cipitate the Meconic acid and resins with Calcium Chloride. The solution 

23 



354 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

contains Morphine Hydrochlorate. (2) Evaporate the solution till it is solid, 
press to remove coloring matter, exhaust with boiling water, filter, and again 
evaporate and press ; repeat this till the solution is nearly colorless. (3) Com- 
plete the decolorization by digesting with Charcoal. (4) Precipitate the 
Morphine with Ammonia and wash. (5) Dissolve in Hydrochloric Acid and 
crystallize out. 

Characters. — White, feathery needles of a silky lustre, or minute, 
cubical crystals, having a bitter taste. Solubility. — In 24 parts of water ; in 
62 of Alcohol.] 

Incompatibles. — Lead, iron, copper, mercury and zinc salts ; alkaline 
carbonates ; lime water ; liquor potassii arsenitis ; all substances containing 
tannin. 

\_Morphine Hydrochlorate is used in Tinctura Chloroformi et Morphinae 
Composita. {See p. 291. [) 

Dose, % to X gr. ; [.008 to .015 gm.] 

MORPHINE ACETAS.— Morphine Acetate. C 17 H 19 N0 3 C 2 H 4 2 + 
3 H 2 0=[ 39 8.i2.] 

Source. — Morphine is precipitated with Ammonia from a solution of the 
Hydrochlorate. It is dissolved in Acetic Acid and water, and the neutral so- 
lution is evaporated. 

Characters. — [A white, or faintly yellowish- white, crystalline or amor- 
phous powder, having a faint, acetous odor, and a bitter taste. Solubility. — 
In 2.5 parts of water ; in 47.6 parts of Alcohol.] Many specimens are not so 
soluble as this. The use of this salt is diminishing as it is unstable, losing 
Acetic Acid on exposure to air. 

Dose, y% to X gr. ; [.008 to .015 gm.] 

MORPHINE SULPHAS.— Morphine Sulphate. (C 17 H 19 N0 3 ) 2 H 2 S0 4 
+ 5H 2 0=[ 75 6. 3 8. 

Source. — Morphine is dissolved in boiling distilled water ; diluted Sul- 
phuric Acid is added to neutralization, and on cooling the Sulphate appears 
in crystals. 

Characters. — White, feathery, acicular crystals of a silky lustre, and 
having a bitter taste. Solubility. — In 2 parts of water ; sparingly in Alcohol. 

Dose, }i to % gr. ; .008 to .015 gm. 

Preparations. 

1. Pulvis Morphinae Compositus. — Compound Powder of Mor- 
phine. Synonym. — Tully's Powder. Morphine Sulphate, I ; Cam- 
phor, 19; Glycyrrhiza, 20; precipitated Calcium Carbonate, 20; Al- 
cohol, a sufficient quantity. By trituration. 

Dose, 5. to 15. gr. ; .30 to 1.00 gm. 

2. Trochisci Morphinae et Ipecacuanhae. — Troches of Mor- 
phine and Ipecac. Morphine Sulphate, 0.16 ; Ipecac, 0.50; Sugar, 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 355 

65 gm. ; Oil of Gaultheria, 0.2 c.c. ; Mucilage of Tragacanth, a suf- 
ficient quantity to make 100 troches. Strength. — About ^ gr. ; .0016 
gm. of Morphine in each. 
Dose, 1 to 5 troches. 
Two solutions of Morphine Sulphate should be carefully distinguished : 
(1) The U. S. P. Solution (I to 480 of water), and (2) Magendie's (1 to 30 
of water). Magendie' s Solution as prepared in France is made from the ace- 
tate and is somewhat weaker (I to 3 grs).] 

Action of Opium. 

The action and uses of opium are due almost entirely to its 
morphine, and therefore they may be studied together. Codeine 
[and other alkaloids will be considered on p. 366. Meconic 
acid appears to be nearly free from physiological properties.] 

External. — Opium probably has no action when applied to 
the unbroken skin, but it has been said to be slightly anodyne. 
It can be absorbed from and relieve the pain of raw surfaces. 

Internal. — Alimentary canal. — Opium diminishes all the 
secretions of the body except the sweat. The mouth conse- 
quently becomes dry, and the patient feels thirsty, but after a 
small dose not markedly so. This effect is partly due to the 
direct action of the opium on the mouth, but to a less extent to 
its influence exerted after it has been absorbed. In the stomach 
and intestines, by the same double action, the secretion of the 
gastric and intestinal juices is diminished. The drug also para- 
lyzes the peristaltic movements of the stomach and intestines. 
This is due to its action on the nervous or muscular structures in 
the wall of the intestine itself. The result of the diminution of 
secretion and peristalsis is that opium appeases hunger, often 
causes indigestion, almost always gives rise to constipation, 
and if vomiting or diarrhoea is present, it may prevent it. These 
actions are also in part due to its general sedative influence on 
the nervous system. If pain exists in the abdomen or elsewhere, 
opium is a powerful anodyne. Most of it is absorbed, but 
rather slowly. If injected subcutaneously it is excreted into the 
stomach. With some persons it causes vomiting. Whether 
the biliary and pancreatic secretions are diminished is not 
known. 



35P ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Blood. — Morphine for the most part circulates in the blood as 
such, and is excreted by the kidneys, but a small part of it is 
destroyed in the liver. The fate of the other alkaloids is not 
known, nor are we aware of any direct action of any of the con- 
stituents of opium on the blood itself. 

Circulation. — In an ordinary healthy man small doses of opium 
hardly affect the heart or vessels. Large doses diminish the 
force and frequency of the heart, which finally stops in diastole. 
These effects can be produced by applying the drug to the organ ; 
it therefore directly affects either the cardiac muscle or the nerves 
in it. But this local action is said to be helped by the less im- 
portant influence of opium on the vagal centre ; this is at first 
stimulated, and about the time at which the heart itself is de- 
pressed, so that both these actions make the pulse slow. 
Patients rarely die from the effect of opium on the heart and its 
nervous apparatus, this being much less important than the in- 
fluence on respiration, and some of the cardiac depression may 
be secondary to asphyxia. 

The vaso-motor centres are slightly depressed by moderate 
doses, hence the vessels, particularly those of the skin, dilate ; 
with large doses the depression is considerable. 

Respiration. — Opium is a direct poison to the respiratory 
centre. Breathing therefore becomes slow, less air is taken in 
at each inspiration, and death takes place from asphyxia. The 
secretion of bronchial mucus is decreased. 

Nervous system. — Brain. — The higher faculties are at first 
excited even by small doses. In a few persons there is no inco- 
ordination in this excitement. The intellectual power and 
mental vigor are increased, and therefore the drug is taken by 
some people to enable them to do their mental work. Usually, 
however, the excitation does not affect the mind evenly ; gener- 
ally the imagination is powerfully and pleasantly excited, much 
more so than the faculties of reason and judgment, which are a 
little dulled. The expression on the face is one of happiness 
and comfort, and this corresponds with the condition of the 
mind, which is in a state of peace, calm and happiness. This is 
soon succeeded by sleep, which is accompanied by pleasant 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 357 

dreams, generally of an impossible nature. With some persons, 
however, the sleep is quite dreamless. This, which is the be- 
ginning of the depression of the highest centres, is soon followed 
by depression of the others, the higher being influenced before 
the lower, so that soon the sleeper does not respond to any 
sound, light, or cutaneous stimulation, nor does he feel pain. 
It is this last fact that makes the drug so invaluable. The dose 
requisite to annul pain depends, of course, upon the severity 
of it. If a large amount is given, often there is no primary ex- 
citement, and then the first symptom that opium has been taken 
is drowsiness. On waking from sleep induced byopium some 
persons feel quite well, but usually there is a little languor, 
headache, and nausea. Opium-eaters take it for its stimulant 
effect. It is given medicinally as a hypnotic and anodyne. The 
pupil is contracted ; this is due to the effect of the drug on 
the pupillary centre in the floor of the aqueduct of Sylvius. In 
man, just as the stimulation of the intellectual centres is brief, so 
is that of the cerebral motor centres — in fact, it is often difficult 
to detect any evidence of it. Their subsequent depression is 
never so marked as that of the intellectual faculties ; for although 
there is languor and muscular weakness, and the patient always 
lies down, yet he can be walked about if he is supported. Vomit- 
ing is occasionally caused by transient irritation of the vomiting 
centre, but soon it is depressed, and therefore emetics do not act 
well in cases of opium poisoning. 

The motor cells of the spinal cord are at first slightly 
stimulated, and consequently reflex excitability is exaggerated; 
but they are soon depressed, and it is difficult to obtain reflex 
movements. 

The excitability of motor and sensory nerves is, perhaps, a 
little increased at first, but in the later stages of opium poison- 
ing they are depressed, the sensory before the motor. The 
muscles remain irritable to the last. 

Opium, in its action on the nervous system, illustrates the 
common fact that functions at first stimulated by a drug are 
usually subsequently paralyzed by it ; and it affords an excellent 
example of the law of dissolution, for higher functions, such as 



358 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

the intellectual and imaginative, are first affected ; motion is 
then disordered ; next the pupillary centre, and then the medul- 
lary centres, for respiration and cardiac action are implicated. 
The spinal cord is influenced to a less degree, the nerves very 
slightly, and the muscles not at all. 

In man the peculiarities of the action of morphine are its 
predominating influence on the higher mental functions, and the 
slight affection of the motor and the vaso-motor centres, the cord, 
the nerves, and the muscles. In frogs morphine produces violent 
convulsions, because its predominating action is to stimulate the 
spinal cord.. Birds are peculiarly insusceptible to morphine. 
Mammals are for the most part affected in the same way as 
man, except that the first or excitement stage is more marked ; 
hence with many mammals, especially cats, morphine is a vio- 
lent convulsant ; dogs and rabbits require large doses to pro- 
duce symptoms. 

Kidneys. — Sometimes opium slightly increases, sometimes it 
slightly decreases, the urinary flow. Perhaps morphine is de- 
composed in the body, for oxydimorphine has been found in the 
urine of those taking morphine. 

Skin. — Opium is a mild diaphoretic. It may cause itching. 

Metabolism. — If the person taking opium has glycosuria, the 
amount of sugar he passes in the urine is diminished. General 
metabolism appears to be decreased also, for it is stated that the 
amounts of uric acid and carbon [dioxide] excreted are lessened, 
but some experimenters contradict this statement. 

Temperature. — Large doses depress this, probably from the 
effect of the drug upon the thermogenetic nerve centres. 

Persistent use of large doses decreases the secretion of milk 
and the menstrual discharge. It is excreted by the milk, and so 
may affect the child. 

Peculiarities. — There are few drugs which have such different 
effects upon different people. The above description states the 
manner in which most human beings are affected ; but in some 
the stage of excitation is very evident, so that they become deli- 
rious and cannot sleep. In others, vomiting and indigestion are 
very marked. Some of these peculiarities are due, no doubt, to 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 359 

the varying composition of opium. Children are easily poisoned 
by it, and therefore only small doses should be administered 
to them ; women are more readily affected than men. Persons 
who take it habitually soon tolerate enormous quantities. It 
may produce an erythematous eruption on the skin. 

Differences in action between opium and morphine. — (1) Mor- 
phine being more readily absorbed, acts more quickly. It is 
especially suitable for subcutaneous injection ; given in this way 
it acts very rapidly. (2) Opium is more liable to upset the diges- 
tion and to cause constipation ; but this last fact often makes it 
the more valuable in many abdominal diseases. (3) Opium is 
the better diaphoretic. (4) Morphine is more certain in its ac- 
tion as an anodyne and soporific ; possibly this is because of the 
other powerful alkaloids in opium. (5) [It is less convulsant.] 
(6) Opium is stated to act more powerfully in reducing the 
amount of sugar present in the urine in glycosuria. [(7) Opium 
affects the bladder sphincter less. (8) Morphine causes more 
pruritus than opium.] 

Therapeutics of Opium. 

External. — Hot fomentations or poultices sprinkled with 
laudanum are often applied to painful parts ; but probably it is 
the heat and not the opium which relieves the pain. Linimentum 
Opii [B. P., tincture of opium and soap liniment, equal parts], 
rubbed into the skin diminishes the pain of chronic rheumatism 
and myalgia ; probably in this case the friction is more efficacious 
than the opium. Locally applied to sores and ulcers, it may 
soothe the pain due to them. The ointment of nutgall and opium 
[B. P., powdered opium, 2 ; gall ointment, 27 ;] will often re- 
lieve the pain of piles and anal fissures, especially if a mild laxa- 
tive is given by the mouth. [The warm decoction of the white 
poppy is used in England as an anodyne fomentation. Poppy 
capsules (Papaveris Capsular, B. P.) are obtained from the 
Papaver somniferum (nat. ord. Papaveracece) which is cultivated 
in England. A ten per cent, decoction made from these con- 
tains but a small and uncertain amount of opium, and its bene- 
ficial effects, if any, are doubtless due to its warmth.] 



360 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Internal. — Stomach. — Morphine is of great service for the 
pain of gastric ulcer, cancer, or even for simple painful dyspep- 
sia. A solution [of morphine in water, 1 in 480 ; dose, 1 fl. 
dr. ; 4. c.c] is preferable to opium, as that may aggravate the 
indigestion. Morphine is frequently combined with preparations 
of bismuth, and taken immediately before or after meals. Many 
forms of vomiting are relieved by morphine, because it decreases 
pain, peristalsis, and excessive secretion. 

Intestines. — Opium is invaluable for stopping many varieties 
of diarrhoea. If they will yield to any treatment, opium is most 
likely to be successful. Intestinal colic, being due to irregular, 
excessive peristaltic action, is generally relieved by opium, — and, 
indeed, so is abdominal pain of all sorts. In all inflammatory 
conditions of the peritoneum full doses of opium must be given, 
the object being so to paralyze the intestinal movements as to 
prevent the peritoneal surfaces rubbing against each other. 
[This method is quite likely to result in extensive peritoneal 
adhesions.] It is the great mainstay in perityphlitis, acute peri- 
tonitis, and after operations or wounds in the abdomen. Opium 
is far preferable to morphine for abdominal cases ; if they are 
severe, it must be boldly pushed, the patient being kept just 
drowsy, with slightly contracted pupils ; and it often does not 
matter if the bowels are not open for a week, or even more. 
[The more recent and better practice, however, is to keep the 
bowels slightly open by the use of the salines.] Morphine should 
be given sparingly, if an abdominal operation is impending, for 
it masks the symptoms. 

Heart. — Much skill is required to give opium properly in 
heart disease. The hypodermatic injection of morphine is, on 
the whole, to be preferred to opium. The great indication for it 
is when cardiac pain and distress keep the patient awake. Often 
it acts like a charm, a quiet refreshing sleep being the result of a 
single injection. No doubt it is a cardiac depressant, but we 
have to set against this the exhaustion of pain and insomnia. 
Still, if the patient is very ill, these two factors must be carefully 
balanced. [It is quite probable that in small doses administered 
hypodermatically morphine is a cardiac stimulant.] It likewise 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 36 1 

often relieves the pain of aneurism and intra-thoracic growths. 
Its depressant effect may be to some extent counterbalanced by 
combining belladonna with it. 

Vessels. — Opium is an excellent haemostatic. It is probably 
efficient after absorption, but its great value is in gastric and in- 
testinal haemorrhage, when it acts partly by stopping peristaltic 
movements. An excellent form in which to give it is the 
Pilula Plumbi cum Opio, [B. P., powdered opium, 1 ; lead 
acetate, 6; dose, 2 to 4 gr. ; .12 to .25 gm.] It is also very 
useful in haemoptysis, for it acts as a haemostatic, and relieves 
cough. 

Respiration. — It will be remembered that opium depresses 
the respiratory centre ; therefore, by diminishing the activity 
of the centre for the reflex act of coughing, it will often alleviate 
the distressing symptoms, but it is only justifiable to give it when 
the irritation which reflexly sets up a cough is irremovable, as in 
intra-thoracic growth or aneurism, or when there is little or no 
lividity and yet the cough is violent, as is often the case in pleu- 
risy. The liability to lividity and asphyxia in many diseases 
attended with cough must never be forgotten. Thus opium is 
quite inadmissible in the last stages of bronchitis and pneumonia, 
and, as a rule, in even the earlier stages of these diseases other 
means of relieving the cough should be tried first ; and if opium 
is given, it must be administered with great caution and judg- 
ment. But in pneumonia without lividity it is very useful, les- 
sening cough and pain, and promoting sleep. A " linctus 
opiatus," a favorite remedy, is often given at night when a 
cough keeps the patient awake. It may consist of tincture of 
opium, 1 ; diluted sulphuric acid, 1 ; treacle, 15 ; water to [30 
parts] . The object of the treacle is to soothe the pharynx 
locally. Opium must also be given cautiously for [the relief of 
the symptom] asthma, as there is in this disease a great liability 
to the growth of a permanent opium habit. [Codeine is prefer- 
able to all other preparations and alkaloids of opium for relief 
of cough in pulmonary diseases.] An insufflation of one-half 
grain [.03 gm.] of morphine acetate with 5 gr. [.30 gm.] of 
starch is of great use when blown on to a larynx painful from 



362 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

organic disease. A grain [.06 gm.] of boric acid or of iodo- 
form is often added to each insufflation. 

Nervous system — Brain. — It is in its action on this organ 
that the marvellous value of opium is seen, its great function 
being to relieve pain and to produce sleep when that is prevented 
by pain. For these purposes it is best given hypodermatically 
as morphine, for that acts more quickly, more certainly, and is 
less liable to produce indigestion and excitement than opium. 
Many [prefer] to inject a solution containing -fa gr. [.0013 gm.] 
of atropine sulphate to each x / 2 gr. [.03 gm.] of morphine salt, 
for by so doing the liability of morphine to upset the stomach 
and bowels is diminished and its efficacy as an anodyne is not 
sensibly lessened. It would be a long list to give all the diseases 
the pain of which can be relieved by morphine ; cancer and 
fractures are typical instances. Morphine is very valuable for 
the insomnia of acute diseases ; but it should never be prescribed 
for habitual sleeplessness, for fear the patient should contract the 
habit of opium taking — unless the disease causing the insomnia 
is incurable, when the use of opium is quite justifiable. It 
should not be given in gout, for that is often accompanied by 
granular kidneys ; nor for hysteria, for often it does not relieve 
hysterical pains, and an opium habit may be formed. It is es- 
pecially useful in renal and biliary colic, and for the after- 
pains of a confinement. In these cases it relieves the pain partly 
from its power as an anodyne, and also because by its paralyzing 
effect on unstriped muscle it relaxes the muscular contraction. 
This property also makes it valuable in some cases of spasmodic 
stricture of the urethra. It may be given as a sedative in de- 
lirium tremens and some forms of mania, but often such large 
doses are required that its use is not justifiable. Patients suffer- 
ing great pain can take enormous doses without any symptoms 
of poisoning. 

Spinal cord. — It has been used for pains of locomotor ataxia 
and occasionally in convulsive diseases, but without much success. 

Kidneys. — It should always be remembered that morphine is 
excreted with difficulty, if the kidneys are diseased. There are 
several cases recorded in which persons suffering from Bright' s 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 363 

disease have been killed by quite small doses of opium. But it 
often so markedly relieves ursemic dyspnoea, uraemic insomnia, 
the cardiac dyspnoea which may complicate Bright' s disease, and 
even uraemic convulsions, that it may be justifiable to inject yi 
of a grain [.01 gm.] of a morphine salt subcutaneously into a 
patient suffering from one of these conditions and run the slight 
risk there is of poisoning him. But it is clear that this treatment 
must be adopted very cautiously. 

Skin. — Combined with ipecacuanha [as in] Dover's powder, 
opium is commonly given as a mild diaphoretic, in cases of slight 
inflammatory disorder, such as a common cold. 

Metabolism. — Opium is administered to persons suffering from 
diabetes, and the amount of sugar in the urine certainly dimin- 
ishes and the patient's general health improves [but, however, 
codeine is preferable.] Opium can, in the opinion of many, 
control all varieties of inflammation, therefore it is given for a 
cold in the head, for cystitis, pleurisy, etc. Occasionally per- 
sons taking [morphine] suffer from retention of urine. We have 
indicated the occasions on which opium and morphine are re- 
spectively preferable. 

[Heroine (not official) is morphine diacetic ester, which as a 
hydrochlorate is freely soluble in water and alcohol. It gener- 
ally produces no disagreeable symptoms, beyond headache, and 
is said not to give rise to habituation. It occasionally produces 
violent and uncontrollable vomiting. Since it diminishes the 
sensitiveness of the respiratory centres to an excess of carbon 
dioxide in the blood (Wood) it is useful in some forms of dysp- 
noea. It is of great value in quieting cough. The dose is -io to 
igr.; .003 to .012 gm. 

Dionine (not official) is morphine mono-ethyl ester hydro- 
chlorate, which is readily soluble in water. It is somewhat 
hypnotic, and like heroine is useful to allay cough. It is 
said to check night sweats. The dose is y& to % gr.; .01 to 
.015 gm. 

Peronine (not official) is morphine benzylic ester hydro- 
chlorate, soluble in water. This is hypnotic, producing sound 
sleep without previous excitement, and is useful in allaying the 



364 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

cough of pulmonary tuberculosis, chronic bronchitis and pertus- 
sis. Dose, tIq gr.j .0004 gm. in pill.] 

Toxicology. 

Acute poisoning. — There may be slight preliminary excitability ; but soon 
drowsiness sets in. This is followed by incapacity for exertion, sleep, and 
finally deep coma. The pupils are minutely contracted. At first the patient 
can be roused ; but soon no stimulation will do this. Reflex action is abol- 
ished. The skin is cold, the face and lips are livid, and toward the end 
bathed in sweat. The pulse is weak and slow. The respiration becomes 
slower and more irregular j and last it is stertorous, and the patient dies from 
asphyxia. 

Diagnosis of poisoning by Opium. — I. From Alcoholic poisoning. — Often 
very difficult, especially if, as commonly happens, the man poisoned with 
opium has taken alcohol or had it given to him. The pupils are more con- 
tracted in opium poisoning. The patient is more easily roused in alcohol 
poisoning. Examine the urine for morphine and alcohol. Get a careful his- 
tory. 2. From cerebral hemorrhage. — If this is in the pons Varolii, the 
pupils may be very contracted and the diagnosis difficult, but look carefully 
for local paralysis. Usually cerebral haemorrhage takes place into the internal 
capsule, and then the face and the limbs on the opposite side are paralyzed. 
If the haemorrhage is a small one, and especially if it is in the pons, the tem- 
perature may be raised ; if it is a very large one, the temperature falls for the 
first few hours, but may rise subsequently. If the pupils are unequal, the 
case is one of cerebral haemorrhage. 3. From Carbolic Acid poisoning, in 
which there may be coma and contracted pupils. The acid produces white 
patches in the mouth, and the odor is characteristic. 4. From Chloroform 
and Ether poisoning, by the odor of the breath and of the vomited matters. 
5. From urcemia, by the signs of Bright' s disease, especially albuminuria. 6. 
From diabetic coma, by the smell of the breath and the glycosuria. 7. From 
the comatose stage of an epileptic fit, by the history, the dilatation of the pupils, 
and the fact that the lividity does not deepen. 8. From the same stage of a 
fit in general paralysis of the insane and other nervous diseases, by the same 
symptoms. 

Fost-mortem. — The appearances after death from Opium poisoning are 
those always found after fatal asphyxia. 

Treatment. — Wash out the stomach. [This should be repeated at fre- 
quent intervals, because the morphine, which has been absorbed, is excreted 
into the stomach.] Give prompt emetics (see p. 139), as apomorphine [hydro- 
chlorate] subcutaneously. Always arouse the patient by walking him about, 
flapping him with a towel, pinching him, applying the faradic current, and 
putting ammonia to the nose; a pint [500. c.c. ] of strong coffee should be 
injected into the rectum, Jq g r - [-°°3 g m -] of atropine sulphate given subcu- 
taneously, or 30 minims, [2. c.c] of tincture of belladonna by the mouth, re- 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 365 

peated every quarter of an hour. [Instances of recovery from opium poisoning 
followed by death from the belladonna or atropine, used as an antidote, have 
been observed. Great caution must be exercised if this antidote be used, — 
if indeed it should be employed at all.] If the breathing is very difficult, arti- 
ficial respiration should be employed. Oxygen or amyl nitrite inhalations may 
be used. The treatment must be kept up for several hours if necessary. [Po- 
tassium permanganate, well diluted, has been successfully used in an amount 
equal to that of the alkaloid ingested ; it almost immediately destroys the 
latter, through its chemical action. It is claimed that it can act upon the 
poison when in the blood so that a hypodermatic injection of it even for some 
hours after its ingestion may afford relief. Wood, however, has found that its 
hypodermatic injection does no good in morphine poisoning. The reports 
have been so generally favorable that potassium permanganate should be used 
immediately] . 

Chronic Morphine poisoning. — As many persons administer this drug sub- 
cutaneously to themselves, chronic poisoning is very common. The symptoms 
are that the patient loses all sense of right and wrong, he will lie and thieve 
in the most degrading way, especially if his desire is to obtain the drug, and 
absolutely no statement that he makes can be trusted. He neglects his work, 
and lets his business go to ruin. He wastes and becomes anaemic, he surfers 
from loss of appetite, indigestion, dry mouth, sluggish bowels, and a foul 
tongue. The nails are brittle, the skin is dry, the hair turns gray early, a'nd 
falls out. There is sexual impotence, no erections take place, no semen is 
secreted, there is amenorrhcea, and the flow of milk is stopped, but there is 
polyuria. The pupils are small, there is loss of muscular power, slight ataxia 
and tremor in severe cases. The arm, [leg, or portions of the body] are 
scarred with marks of the [needle]. Even 20 gr. [1.20 gm.] of morphine 
may be taken each day. 

[Treatment. — ]The patient must be isolated and carefully watched [so] 
that he gets no morphine (he often eludes or bribes his nurse) ; it should be 
diminished gradually, so that at the end of a fortnight he is taking none. If 
it is stopped suddenly there may be serious collapse and wild delirium. 
Relapses are very common, and a complete cure after a relapse is very rare, 
[No reliance can be placed upon any of the advertised cures for the morphine 
habit ; most contain morphine and the remainder are useless. The patient on 
entering an institution for his cure must be most thoroughly and carefully 
searched so that he shall not be possessed of a supply sufficient to keep him 
comfortable during his treatment. 

Antagonism. 
Atropine. — Atropine [see p. 373] is a valuable antidote to morphine, 
because it powerfully stimulates the respiratory centre. It also stimulates the 
cerebral convolutions and intestinal peristalsis, both depressed by morphine. 
It appears to be antagonistic to opium in other particulars, but is not really so. 
Thus, although it prevents perspiration and dilates the pupil, these effects are 



366 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

due to action on the peripheral nerve terminations, while morphine produces 
contrary results by acting on the central nervous system. Still it has been 
found that some of the undesirable effects that may follow the subcutaneous 
injection of morphine, such as indigestion, constipation and cardiac depression, 
may be avoided if t ^q to t ^q gr. ; [.0004 to .0006 gm.] of atropine sulphate is 
injected at the same time. 

CODEINA. — Codeine. An alkaloid obtained from Opium. C 18 H 21 
N0 3 -f-H 2 0=[3 16.31. Synonym. — Methyl Morphine. 

SOURCE. — Obtained by evaporating the ammoniacal liquids, remaining 
after the precipitation of Morphine by Ammonia in the preparation of the 
Hydrochlorate, treating the residue with water, precipitation with Caustic Pot- 
ash, and purifying by dissolving in Ether and letting the Codeine crystallize 
out on spontaneous evaporation. 

Characters. — White, or nearly translucent, orthorhombic prisms, or octa- 
hedral crystals, having a faintly bitter taste, and slightly efflorescent in warm 
air. Solubility. — In 80 parts of water ; in 3 of Alcohol.] 

Dose, }l to 2 gr. ; [.015 to .12 gm.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Codeine. 

Codeine may produce tremors because it excites the cord more, 
and depresses the higher faculties less, than morphine, and in man 
its physiological action is in all respects much less than that of 
morphine. It often relieves the hacking cough of phthisis. It 
is also used for ovarian pain and to diminish the glycosuria in 
diabetes [which it does more effectually than opium itself and as 
an analgesic. It is an excellent substitute for morphine as an 
ingredient of cough mixture. For diabetes it is usually given as 
a pill, or in a syrup.] The phosphate (not official) has the ad- 
vantage of being much more soluble than codeine. 

[The following non-official alkaloids are sometimes used : — 

Thebaine. Synonym, — Paramorphine. It is contained in Opium, 0. 15 to 
I per cent. It occurs in silvery scales or hard prisms, odorless and having a 
bitterish taste; soluble in Ether, Alcohol and Chloroform.] This produces 
powerful convulsions as the result of its action on the cord. Its subsequent 
depressant action is very slight. 

\_Narceine. — It is contained in Opium o. 1 to 0.7 per cent., and occurs in 
long quadrangular prisms, or white, silky needles, sparingly soluble in Alcohol, 
and in water. It closely resembles morphine in its action, but is probably more 
hypnotic and not so likely to be followed by disagreeable after-effects.] 

Anarcotine. — This is also known as narcotine, which is an [improper] 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 367 

name, for the drug does not cause sleep. [It is contained in opium 1.3 to 10. 
per cent. , the amount varying greatly according to the source] ; it is the chief 
constituent of Indian opium. [It exists in a free state in Opium from which it is 
left behind when the drug is treated with water. It crystallizes in white, silky, 
flexible needles which are tasteless and odorless. It is antiperiodic in its action 
and is valuable not only as a preventive, but as well cures malarial fevers.] 

APOMORPHIN^ HYDROCHLORAS.- Apomorphine Hydro- 
chlorate. C 17 H 17 N0 2 HCl[=3o2. 79. ] 

Source. — It is the hydrochl orate of an [artificial] Alkaloid obtained by 
heating Morphine in sealed tubes with an excess of Hydrochloric Acid. The 
Morphine loses one molecule of water thus : C 17 H 19 N0 3 — C 17 H 17 N0 2 -|-H 2 0. 

Characters. — [Minute, grayish- white, shining, acicular crystals, hav- 
ing a faintly bitter taste, and acquiring a greenish tint on exposure to light and 
air. Solubility. — In 45 parts of water ; in about 45 parts of Alcohol.] 

Dose, 2 V to \ S T - '> [-0027 to .01 gm.] hypodermatically, ^ to T L gr. ; 
[.003 to .006 gm.] by the mouth. 

Action of Apomorphine Hydrochlorate. 

External. — None. 

Internal. — Gastro-intestinal tract. — Apomorphine is the 
most powerful emetic we possess. It does not act locally on the 
stomach, but solely on the vomiting centre in the medulla. It 
is therefore an indirect emetic. This is shown by the fact that 
when the drug is injected subcutaneously it produces violent vom- 
iting if the vessels are so tied that none can reach the stomach, 
but not if they are so tied that it cannot reach the medulla. 

Circulation. — Therapeutic doses have no effect beyond the de- 
pressing action which may be attributed to the vomiting. Large 
doses cause a rise in the rate of the pulse, probably from stimula- 
tion of the accelerator nerves, and with fatal doses the pulse-rate 
falls, because the drug directly paralyzes the cardiac muscle. 

Respiration. — This is at first stimulated by the act of vomit- 
ing. The effect of poisonous doses is doubtful ; probably they 
depress respiration. [Physiological experiments show that it 
produces a watery discharge from the blood-vessels of the respir- 
atory mucous membrane, which is found to be paler after the 
administration of this remedy, as well as less cedematous. This 
effect is produced within a half hour after ingestion, and it is not 
in any respect the first stages of emesis.] 



368 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Nervous system. — The first result of toxic doses is to cause 
delirium. Finally there is paralysis of the motor nerves, and 
consequently of the muscles. 

Therapeutics of Apomorphine Hydrochlorate. 

Internal. — Vomiting action. — The advantages of apomor- 
phine over the other emetics are that it is certain, prompt, and 
powerful ; it can be given when emetics introduced directly into 
the stomach would not act, and it does not irritate the stomach. 
It is largely used in cases of poisoning. It is usually given hypo- 
dermatically, [dissolved in camphor water ; 1 in 50. Dose, 4 to 
8 minims ; .25 to .50 c.c. This must be prepared extemporane- 
ously, as it will not keep.] 

Expectorant action. — It is, when given by the mouth, a valu- 
able expectorant for bronchitis. [In an adult -gL gr., .002 gm., 
or 1 dr., 4. c.c, of the syrup (see below) will produce a watery 
expectoration within the time above stated, and this effect will 
last from two to three hours. It is particularly useful in the 
early stages of acute bronchitis, in chronic dry bronchitis, in 
chronic catarrhal pneumonia, and in old tuberculous patients who 
are harassed by an unproductive cough. 

Soporific action. — Recently it has been claimed that when 
given hypodermatically at bedtime, in dose just short of pro- 
ducing emesis, sleep, closely approaching the normal, ensues. 
This is not always the case, and its hypnotic action may be due 
to contamination with other alkaloids.] 

The British Pharmaceutical Conference recommends the fol- 
lowing Syrup of Apomorphine : Mix Rectified Spirit, 84 ; with 
the same amount of water ; dissolve in this Apomorphine Hy- 
drochlorate, 1 ; add Diluted Hydrochloric Acid, 24 ; and finally 
Syrup, 1728 parts. Dose, ^ to 1 fl. dr. [2. to 4. c.c] The 
drug may also be given as a lozenge. 

HUMULUS. 

HOPS. — [The strobiles of Humulus LupulusIAnne (nat. ord. Urticacece). 
Habitat. — Northern temperate zone ; cultivated. 

Characters. — Ovate, about 3 cm. long, consisting of a thin, hairy, undu- 
lated axis, and many obliquely ovate, membranous scales, in the upper part 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 369 

reticulately-veined, and towards the base parallel-veined, glandular, and sur- 
rounding a subglobular achene ; color of the scales greenish, free from red- 
dish or brownish spots ; odor, aromatic ; taste, bitter, aromatic and slightly 
astringent. ] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Lupulin. (2) Lupu- 
linic Acid, 11 per cent., a bitter crystalline principle. (3) Valerol, I per 
cent., an aromatic volatile oil giving the odor. (4) Resin, 9 to 18 per cent. 
(5) Tannic acid, 3 to 4 per cent. 

[Incompatibles. — Mineral acids, and metallic salts. 

Preparation. 

Tinctura Humuli. — Tincture of Hops. Hops, 200 ; by macer- 
ation and percolation with Diluted Alcohol to 1000. 
Dose, 1 to 2 fl. dr. ; 4. to 8. c.c] 

LUPULINUM. — Lupulin. A glandular powder, separated from the 
strobiles of Humulus Lupuhis Linne (nat. ord. Urticacecz). 

[Characters. — Bright, brownish-yellow, becoming yellowish -brown, res- 
inous, consisting of minute granules, which, as seen under the microscope, 
are subglobular, or rather hood -shaped, and reticulate ; aromatic and bitter. ] 

Dose, 5 to 30 gr. ; [.30 to 2.00 gm.] 

Preparations. 
1. Extractum Lupulini Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Lupulin. 
Lupulin, 1000 ; by maceration and percolation with Alcohol, evapora- 
tion and solution to 1 000 parts. 

Dose, 5 to 30 m. ; .30 to 2.00 c.c. 

2. Oleoresina Lupulini. — Oleoresin of Lupulin. Lupulin, 100 ; 
by percolation with Ether and evaporation. 
Dose, 1 to 5 gr. ; .06 to .30 gm.] 

Action of Hops. 

The volatile oil is stomachic and carminative like other 
volatile oils. [To a slight extent it reflexly excites the circula- 
tion.] The bitter principle aids the stomachic influence. Hops 
are decidedly soporific. Probably it is the volatile oil that 
produces this effect. 

Therapeutics of Hops. 

The pharmacopoeial preparations of hops are not much used, 
but good beer, because of the hops contained in it, may with 
some persons aid digestion, and for this purpose is often given 

24 



370 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

with meals to those whose digestion is feeble after a long illness, 
or from any other cause. [The alcohol in the beer increases this 
effect.] Many people find the soporific influence of beer very 
well marked. [Lupulin has been used in nervous tremors, wake- 
fulness and in the delirium of drunkards.] 

LACTUCARIUM. 

[LACTUCARIUM. — The concrete milk-juice of Lactuca virosa Linne 
(nat. ord. Compositce). Synonym. — Lettuce. Habitat. — Southern and Central 
Europe. 

Characters. — In sections of plano-convex, circular cakes, or in irregu- 
lar, angular pieces, externally grayish-brown or dull reddish-brown, internally 
whitish or yellowish, of a waxy lustre ; odor heavy, somewhat narcotic ; taste 
bitter. 

Composition. — The chief constituents of Lactucarium are — (i) Lactu- 
cerin or Lactttcone, C 16 H 26 0, about 50 per cent., a crystalline principle. (2) 
Lactucin, C n H 12 3 -|-H 2 0, resembling mannit. (3) Lactucic Acid. 

Dose, 5 to 60 gr. ; .30 to 4.00 gm. 

Preparations. 

1. Tinctura Lactucarii. — Tincture of Lactucarium. Lactucarium, 
500 ; Glycerin, 250 ; by treatment with Benzin and drying, then 
macerate and percolate with water, and Alcohol ; evaporate, filter and 
add diluted Alcohol to 1000. 

Dose, X to 2 fl - dr - 5 *• to 8 - cc - 

2. Syrupus Lactucarii. — Syrup of Lactucarium. Tincture of 
Lactucarium, 100 ; Sugar, 50; Precipitated Calcium Phosphate, 50 ; 
triturated together with water, filter, dissolve Sugar, 700 ; and add 
water to 1 000. 

Dose, 1 to 4 fl. dr. ; 4. to 15. c.c. 

Action and Therapeutics of Lactucarium. 

Lactucarium has been credited with mild hypnotic powers. 
Large doses of the green extract may cause mental derangement, 
and will dilate the pupil.] 

[PELLOTINUM. 

PELLOTINE (Not official).— C 13 H 21 N0 3 =238. 50. An alkaloid ob- 
tained from the Anhalonium Williamsii (nat. ord. Cactacece). Habitat. — 
Mexico. 

Characters. — The hydrochloride, which is to be found in the shops, 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 37 1 

occurs as a colorless, amorphous, intensely bitter powder. Solubility. — Readily 
in water. 

Dose, l / 2 to 1 gr. ; .03 to .06 gm. (Hypodermatically.) 

Action of Pellotine. 

Slight narcosis follows its injection in from ten to fifteen 
minutes (frogs). The reflexes are somewhat diminished. After 
twenty to thirty minutes there comes a distinct increase of reflex 
irritability, followed by spasms, resembling strychnine poisoning. 
If large doses are administered this condition may pass into one 
of complete paralysis. The pulse rate is slightly diminished, 
drowsiness and sleep supervene after its administration to man. 
The drug is probably excreted by the kidneys. 

Therapeutics of Pellotine. 

Pellotine has been recently introduced as a hypnotic which, 
because it is unirritating, can be used hypodermatically. It 
slows the pulse slightly, induces a feeling of weariness, weight of 
eyelids and limbs, disinclination to mental and bodily exertion, 
and a quiet sleep follows. The awakening is easy and usually 
without untoward symptoms. In full doses, with the patient in 
an upright position it may give rise to vertigo. It apparently 
has no effect on the secretions.] 

[B. Cerebral Excitants.] 
BELLADONNA. 

BELLADONNA FOLIA.— Belladonna Leaves. [The leaves of 
Atropa Belladonna Linne (nat. ord. Solaitacece). Synonym. — Deadly Night- 
shade. Habitat. — Europe and Asia Minor. 

Characters. — Leaves from 10 to 15 cm. long, from 5 to 10 cm. broad, 
broadly ovate, equilaterally narrowed into a petiole, tapering at the apex, 
entire on the margin, smooth, thin, the upper surface brownish-green, the 
lower surface grayish-green, both surfaces whitish, punctate ; odor slight, 
bitterish, disagreeable.] Resembling Belladonna leaves. — Stramonium leaves, 
more wrinkled ; hyoscyamus leaves, hairy. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Atropine {see p. 373), [(2) 
so-called Belladonnine, a yellowish powder, is probably identical with Hyos- 
cyamine (see p. 384).] It has been stated that atropine does not exist in Bel- 
ladonna in the natural state, but that it is a conversion product of hyoscy amine, 



3/2 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

which is the natural alkaloid of Belladonna. [Atropine, hyoscine, (see p. 384), 
daturine, (see p. 382), duboisine and scopolamine, all derived from atropaceous 
plants, are nearly identical, and exist as malates in the plant.] 
Dose, 1 to 5 gr. ; [.06 to .30 gm.] 

Preparations. 

1. [Extractum Belladonnse Foliorum Alcoholicum. — Alco- 
holic Extract of Belladonna Leaves. By percolation with Alcohol and 
water, and evaporation. 

Alcoholic Extract of Belladonna Leaves is used to make Emplas- 
trum Belladonnse and Unguentum Belladonnse. 
Dose, }i to y 2 gr. ; .008 to .03 gm. 

2. Tinctura Belladonnse Foliorum. — Tincture of Belladonna 
Leaves. Belladonna Leaves, 15°; Diluted Alcohol, to 1000. By 
maceration and percolation. 

Dose, 5 to 30 m. ; .30 to 2.00 c.c. 

3. Unguentum Belladonnas. — Belladonna Ointment. Alcoholic 
Extract of Belladonna Leaves, 10; Diluted Alcohol, 5; Benzoinated 
Lard, 85. 

4. Emplastrum Belladonnas. — Belladonna Plaster. Alcoholic 
Extract of Belladonna Leaves, 200 ; Resin Plaster, 400 ; Soap Plaster, 
400. Melt the plaster on a water-bath ; then add the extract of bella- 
donna leaves and continue the heat, stirring constantly, until a homo- 
geneous mass results. ] 

BELLADONNA RADIX.— Belladonna Root. The root of Atropa 
Belladonna [Linne (nat. ord. Solanacece). Habitat. — Central and Southern 
Europe, in woods. 

Characters. — In cylindrical, somewhat tapering, longitudinally wrinkled 
pieces, 10 to 25 mm. or more in thickness ; externally brownish-gray, inter- 
nally whitish ; fracture nearly smooth and mealy, not radiating or showing 
medullary rays in the thicker roots, only in the layer near the baik ; nearly 
inodorous ; taste sweetish, afterwards bitterish and strongly acrid.] 

Composition. — As of the leaves. Usually contains 0.2 to 0.6 per cent, 
of alkaloids. 

Preparations. 

1. [Extractum Belladonnas Radicis Fluidum. — Fluid Extract 
of Belladonna Root. By percolation with Alcohol and Water, and 
evaporation. 

Dose, 1 to 3 m. ; .06 to .20 c.c. 

2. Linimentum Belladonnae. — Belladonna Liniment. Fluid 
Extract of Belladonna Root, 950 ; Camphor, 50.] 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 373 

ATROPIN A.— Atropine. C 1T H 23 N0 3 [=288.38. An Alkaloid obtained 
from Belladonna, which it contains in .06 to .3 per cent. As it occurs in com- 
merce, it is always accompanied by a small proportion of hyoscyamine ex- 
tracted along with it, from which it cannot be readily separated. 

Source. — Atropine is made from the root thus : — (1 ) Make a tincture of 
the root by maceration and percolation with Alcohol. (2) Add slaked lime ; 
this splits up the Atropine Malate, Lime Malate being precipitated. (3) Fil- 
ter, and add Sulphuric Acid to precipitate the excess of Lime. (4) Filter, con- 
centrate by distillation, partially evaporate, add Potassium Carbonate ; after 
six hours much coloring matter is precipitated. ( 5 ) Filter, add more Potas- 
sium Carbonate ; this sets free the Atropine. (6) Shake up with Chloroform, 
which takes up the Atropine in solution. (7) Withdraw the Chloroform, 
evaporate, and Atropine is left. It is purified by digestion with warm Alco- 
hol and Animal Charcoal.] 

Characters. — [White, acicular crystals, or a more or less amorphous, 
white powder, without odor, having a bitter, acrid taste, and gradually assum- 
ing a yellowish tint on exposure to air. Solubility. — In 130 parts of water, 3 
parts of Alcohol, 16 parts of Ether, 4 parts of Chloroform, and about 50 parts 
of Glycerin.] It can be decomposed into Tropine and Tropic Acid, and re- 
constructed by their synthesis. It is distinguished from hyoscyamine, with 
which it is isomeric, by its melting-point, optical properties and molecular con- 
stitution. 

Incompatibles. — Caustic alkalies decompose it. 

Dose, T iQ to ¥ L gr. ; [.0005 to .001 gm.] 

ATROPINE SULPHAS.— Atropine Sulphate. [(C 17 H 23 N0 3 ) 2 H 2 
S0 4 =647.58. 

Source. — Dissolve Atropine in Diluted Sulphuric Acid, treat with Ether, 
the insoluble Sulphate is deposited. 

Characters. — A white, indistinctly crystalline powder, having a very 
bitter nauseating taste. Solubility. — In 0.4 part of water ; in 6.2 parts of 
Alcohol. ] 

Dose, T i„ to 2V g r - ', [-0005 to .003 gm.] 

Action of Belladonna. 

The action of belladonna and atropine is the same. 

External. — Atropine placed by itself upon the unbroken 
skin cannot be absorbed, but rubbed in with substances which 
are absorbed, such as alcohol, glycerin, camphor, etc. , or applied 
to a broken surface, it paralyzes the terminations of the sensory 
nerves, especially if pain is present. It is thus a local anaes- 
thetic and an anodyne. These are its chief actions, but to a 
much less extent it locally paralyzes the terminations of the 



374 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

motor nerves, first contracts and then dilates the vessels, and 
renders the secretions of the skin less active. 

Internal. — Gastro-intestinal tract. — It will be convenient to 
describe the effects of belladonna on all secretions when speaking 
of its action on nerves, and we need not mention here its influ- 
ence on the muscular coat of the intestine, for that is secondary 
to its action on the nervous system. 

Blood. — Atropine is quickly absorbed, but does not affect the 
blood. Its main action is on the nervous system, and that must 
be considered in detail. 

Secretory nerves. — The activity of the peripheral termina- 
tions of all the secretory nerves in the body is, as far as 
we know, depressed. These nerves fall under the following 
headings : 

(«) Mouth. — Even small doses of atropine make the mouth 
dry from lack of saliva and mucus. In health, secretion of sub- 
maxillary saliva always follows stimulation of the chorda tympani 
nerve, and, as is well known, this is due to the fact that this 
nerve is the secretory nerve for this gland, and not to any vascu- 
lar dilatation. If atropine be given to an animal, stimulation of 
the chorda no longer causes an increased flow of saliva, however 
close to the gland the nerve is excited, the reason being that 
atropine has paralyzed the terminations of the chorda tympani. 
In the same way the terminations of the secretory nerves of the 
other salivary glands and the mucous glands are paralyzed, and 
hence the mouth is dry, because normal impulses cannot reach 
the cells of the glands. 

Stomach, liver, and intestines. — We do not know what influ- 
ence atropine has on the secretions of these organs. 

Sweat glands. — Atropine paralyzes the terminations of the 
nerves in the sudoriparous glands. Thus it causes the skin to 
become dry. 

Kidneys. — The effect of atropine on the amount of urine 
secreted is necessarily uncertain, as the urinary flow depends so 
much on the secretion of sweat. 

Bronchial mucous membrane. — The secretion of bronchial 
and tracheal mucus, like that of the mouth, is diminished. 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 375 

Mammary gland. — The activity of the peripheral terminations 
of the secretory nerves in the cells of the mammary gland is in- 
hibited, hence the flow of milk, if any is present, is arrested, 
and belladonna is called an antigalactagogue. 

Sensory nerves. — It has already been mentioned that bella- 
donna rubbed into the skin depresses the function of the termi- 
nations of the sensory nerves. It does the same when given by 
the mouth, but its action on sensory nerves — that is to say, its 
anaesthetic and anodyne action — is very inferior to that on the 
secretory nerves, and is not powerful enough for atropine to 
relieve pain when given internally. It is only used as a local 
anodyne. 

Voluntary muscles and their nerves. — Voluntary muscles are 
quite unaffected even by toxic doses of atropine ; towards the end 
of a case of belladonna poisoning the motor nerves are slightly 
paralyzed. 

Involuntary muscles and their nerves. — The splanchnics are 
the inhibitory nerves of the intestinal movements, and if they are 
stimulated, the peristaltic movements stop ; impulses are constantly 
descending these nerves to restrain these movements. If atropine 
in small doses is given to animals, it is observed that the bowels 
are relaxed, because intestinal peristalsis is much increased, 
and that stimulation of the splanchnics is powerless to arrest it ; 
clearly the drug has paralyzed the terminations of the splanchnics 
in the involuntary muscles of the intestine. Larger doses stop 
peristalsis. 

All involuntary nerve terminations, as those of the muscles of 
the bladder, ureters, urethra, vesiculae seminales, uterus and 
vagina are paralyzed like those in the intestinal muscles. 

The eye and its nerves. — Atropine acts only on the termina- 
tions of the nerves in the involuntary muscles of the eye. If it 
be dropped into the eye or given by the mouth the pupil dilates 
widely, and cannot be made to contract by stimulation of the 
third nerve. That this dilatation is not due to any marked action 
on the muscular fibres of the iris themselves is shown by the fact 
that the atropinized pupil will contract if the muscle itself be 
stimulated. Therefore it must be that the terminations of 



376 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

the third nerve in the iris are paralyzed. The ending of 
this nerve in the ciliary muscle is affected in the same way, and 
consequently accommodation is paralyzed. It is certain 
that this mydriasis and defective accommodation is in no part 
central, as is the contraction of the pupil produced by opium. 
So strong is the local action of belladonna that if atropine 
be dropped into the recently excised eye the pupil will dilate. 
When the third nerve is cut the pupil dilates, and if, after this, 
atropine be dropped into the eye it dilates still further. Some 
have concluded, from this and other reasons, that atropine also 
stimulates the terminations of the sympathetic in the iris ; but 
this action is slight. [The pupil dilates because the elastic fibres 
in the iris have an opportunity to act.] The intra-ocular tension 
is increased by large doses. There is, as a result of the paralysis 
of the ciliary muscle, disturbance of vision. Atropine does not 
act on the pupils of birds. 

The heart and its ?ierves. — The main action of atropine is to 
paralyze the terminations of the vagus in the heart, and 
consequently the pulse is rendered more rapid, and cannot 
be slowed by strongly stimulating the vagus. If the rate of the 
heart has been lowered by [muscarine], which can be shown to 
have a local stimulating influence on the termination of the vagus 
in the heart, the application of atropine renders the heart quick 
again, the two drugs being, in their effect on the heart, exactly 
antagonistic. This quickening of the pulse from inhibition of the 
vagal cardiac terminal filaments is the chief action of atropine on 
the heart, but the following minor actions must be noticed. The 
vagus centre and the trunk of the nerve are also depressed, but 
to a much less extent. Before the pulse is quickened it is occa- 
sionally slowed for a short time by atropine ; this is probably 
owing to a brief excitation of the vagus centre. Some authori- 
ties believe that part of the quickening of the pulse is due to a 
slight stimulation of the cardiac accelerator nerves, just as we 
have seen that some consider that the sympathetic fibres in the 
iris are excited ; but if the accelerator nerves are stimulated, the 
stimulation is quite subsidiary to the important paralysis of the 
vagal terminations. Although the pulse is quickened by bella- 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 2)77 

donna, its force is not diminished. Toxic doses abolish 
the function of the cardiac muscle, and the heart stops in 
diastole. 

Vaso-motor system and its nerves. — After a considerable dose 
of belladonna the skin is flushed, and a scarlatiniform erythe- 
matous rash may be present in belladonna poisoning. It is thus 
obvious that such a dose of belladonna relaxes the peripheral 
vessels. The exact cause of this has not definitely been made 
out, but it is extremely probable that it is largely a peripheral 
action, quite harmonizing with the peripheral action we have 
seen atropine to have on the involuntary muscles of the intestines, 
eye and heart ; that is to say, the vaso -constrictor nerve -filaments 
supplying the arterioles are paralyzed, and consequently the ves- 
sels dilate. The action of atropine on the medullary vaso-motor 
centre is more marked than that on the cardiac medullary centre ; 
but it is the same, — the centre first being stimulated, and then 
depressed. The primary stimulation is sufficient to overcome the 
tendency of the peripheral vessels to dilate, so that belladonna 
at first contracts them ; and as this stage of contraction lasts well 
into the period during which, owing to paralysis of the vagal 
terminations, the heart is accelerated, the blood-pressure rises 
considerably ; subsequently it falls, the fall being due to the 
depression of the vaso-motor centre and the peripheral action of 
belladonna on the vessels, causing their wide dilatation. Ulti- 
mately, when the heart itself is paralyzed, the blood-pressure is 
very low. The spinal vaso-motor centres are acted on as power- 
fully and in the same way as the medullary centre. 

Respiration and its nerves. — Here also belladonna paralyzes 
peripheral nerve-filaments, in this case those of the vagus 
in the bronchial tubes. Both the afferent and efferent pulmo- 
nary vagal fibres are effected. The result is that the muscular 
coat of the bronchial tube is relaxed, and that the secretions 
(the activity of the afferent fibres being depressed) do not irritate 
the nerves so much as before, and therefore cough is lessened. 
It will be remembered that the quantity of bronchial secretion is 
diminished. The medullary and spinal respiratory centres are 
influenced precisely as the vaso-motor, — that is to say, they are 



3?8 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

first stimulated, and so the respirations are quicker and deeper, 
then large doses paralyze them, and the breathing is slow and 
shallow. The patient becomes asphyxiated, and this contributes 
to the result in a fatal case. 

Temperature. — This is decidedly raised by toxic doses of 
belladonna (it may be 4 [F., about 2 C] or more). This rise 
is independent of the blood-pressure and of the diminution of 
perspiration. It is said that heat-production is greatly exag- 
gerated. The heat -loss is also increased, probably because the 
flushing of the skin leads to a greater loss by radiation. 

Spinal cord. — Except for the action on the vaso-motor and 
respiratory spinal centres, belladonna has little influence on the 
spinal cord in man, but has a well-marked tetanizing effect in 
frogs. It is said slightly to increase and afterwards diminish 
general reflex excitability. 

Cerebrum. — A considerable dose of belladonna causes delir- 
ium, showing that the higher centres are stimulated. Gener- 
ally the stimulation takes place inco-ordinately. That it is pow- 
erful is indicated by the fact that in poisoning by belladonna 
the delirium will last for a long while. The subsequent quietude 
is not more than the exhaustion of the cerebrum from the con- 
tinued delirium will explain. Belladonna rarely, if ever, pro- 
duces genuine coma. Other symptoms that may be observed 
with large doses, and which are probably due to disorder of 
the brain, are staggering gait, giddiness and occasionally convul- 
sions. 

Elimination. — Atropine is probably eliminated entirely by the 
kidneys. 

It will be seen that the dominant action of belladonna is 
to depress the activity of the terminations of nearly all varie- 
ties of nerves. In addition, it first stimulates and then 
depresses the three great medullary centres, and it is a 
deliriant. A summary of its effects on man will be given under 
the heading of Toxicology. 

Children can take considerable doses of belladonna without 
any symptoms of poisoning. Pigeons and rodents are pecu- 
liarly insusceptible to it. 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 379 

Therapeutics of Belladonna. 

Externally. — Belladonna is used externally to relieve all 
sorts of pain, — for example, that of neuralgia, pleurodynia, and 
chronic osteo-arthritis. Chloroformum Belladonnae (Brit. Pharm. 
Conf.), — the root being extracted with ammonia and chloroform, 
— diluted with a little olive oil, or the liniment is excellent for 
these purposes. A glycerin preparation (made by rubbing [the 
alcoholic] extract of belladonna [leaves], 4 ; with boiling water, 
1 ; and then adding gradually glycerin, 12), soothes the pain of 
acute inflammations. This, or the plaster, or the ointment, is 
very efficacious in preventing the secretion of milk in women 
who do not for any reason nurse their infants. Pruritus and 
local sweating of various parts of the body, especially the feet, 
may sometimes be stopped by the application of belladonna lini- 
ment. A solution of atropine sulphate, 4 ; boric acid, 5 ; in 
water to 480 ; will dilate the pupil for ophthalmoscopic exami- 
nation. Atropine is often used in ophthalmic practice to par- 
alyze the movements of the iris and ciliary muscle, to break 
down adhesions, and to prevent the formation of contractions 
of the iris. [It must not be used if the patient is suffering from 
glaucoma.] See also Homatropine [Hydrobromate, p. 381]. 

Internal. — Alimentary canal. —[Belladonna] has occasionally 
been employed to check salivation, and some use it to overcome 
constipation and colic. The alcoholic extract [of the leaves] 
is then given, and is commonly combined with some purgative 
in a pill. [This] extract in the form of a pill is often adminis- 
tered with opium to patients suffering with appendicitis or peri- 
tonitis ; as it is given several times a day a large amount is taken, 
and this, as already explained, probably paralyzes intestinal 
movements, and so aids the opium. 

Skin. — Atropine sulphate (^ gr. ; .0006 gm.) injected sub- 
cutaneously, or one or two minims [.06 to .12 c.c] of the solu- 
tion of atropine sulphate [1, in camphor water, 100.], by the 
mouth will sometimes arrest sweating, and this treatment may 
succeed with the night -sweats of phthisis. 

Circulation. — There are many cases of heart disease in which 
belladonna may advantageously be combined with other drugs. 



380 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Whenever we wish to empty the ventricle completely it is useful, 
for it will be remembered that it increases the rapidity of the 
heart without diminishing the force. But its greatest value is to 
remove cardiac pain and distress, which it often does most effec- 
tually. It may be conveniently applied as a plaster over the car- 
diac region, or it may be given internally, usually as the tincture 
[of the leaves] . 

Respiration. — As belladonna relaxes the muscular coat of the 
bronchial tubes, it is of great value in spasmodic affections of 
the respiratory passages. Thus, of all the numerous drugs that 
have been given for whooping-cough, it is the best. It is also 
very useful [to relieve the symptom] asthma, and in bronchitis 
with asthma-like paroxysms ; in the last named [condition] its 
powerful stimulation of the respiratory centre and its capability 
of diminishing the secretion will, in properly chosen cases, ren- 
der it particularly valuable. It is generally given as a tincture 
[of the leaves], and combined with other drugs. A useful 
linctus contains the tincture, 3 ; vinegar of squill, 5 \ syrup of 
tolu, 10 ; glycerin to 60 parts. 

Genito-urinary diseases. — Belladonna is one of the favorite 
remedies for the nocturnal incontinence of children, and it occa- 
sionally overcomes this trouble in adults when it is not due to 
organic diseases. [It relieves eneuresis because it has an anodyne 
effect upon the centres in the cord and when excreted in the 
urine anaesthetizes the neck of the bladder.] Its power of re- 
lieving the spasm of involuntary muscle is well shown in the effec- 
tual manner in which the very painful vesical spasm which accom- 
panies calculus, cystitis, and prostatitis may be benefited by it. 
It may be given internally as in the form of a suppository, or 
applied as a plaster to the perinseum. 

It has been tried in many nervous diseases, but without any 
good results. 

Toxicology. 

\_Symptoms.~\ — If a person takes a moderate dose of belladonna he soon ex- 
periences dryness of the mouth and throat, and as the food, therefore, cannot be 
properly lubricated, there is difficulty of swallowing • the pulse may at first be a 
little slower than usual. The pupil is dilated ; accommodation is defective, and 
vision confused. The skin feels dry. If the dose has been a large one, these 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 38 1 

symptoms all come on quickly ; the conjunctivae and face, and perhaps other 
parts of the skin are flushed, and the rate of the pulse is greatly increased, it 
may even be doubled. The patient staggers, feels giddy, and reels when he 
walks ; the throat soon becomes very hot, the skin still more flushed, the eye- 
lids swell, and there may be a uniform erythematous rash. The temperature 
is often raised, the respirations are slow and deep. The pupils are very widely 
dilated. * By this time the patient is quite delirious. There may be purging, 
but this is not common ; and sometimes he complains of a frequent desire to 
micturate, although he is unable to pass any urine. Death takes place from 
cardiac failure combined with asphyxia. Post-mortem. — The organs are all in 
a state of venous congestion, which is due to the asphyxia. If recovery takes 
place the patient may have no recollection of his illness. 

Treatment. — Give emetics [see p. 139) or wash out the stomach. Inject 
pilocarpine and stimulants subcutaneously. Employ artificial respiration and 
hot bottles, and give strong coffee per rectum. 

Antagonism. 

The antagonism betzveen atropine and morphine has already been dis- 
cussed {see p. 365). It is clear that as pilocarpine stimulates the terminations 
of the secretory nerves in the salivary and sweat glands, and also excites the 
terminations of the third nerve in the iris and ciliary muscle, it is a diaphoretic, 
a sialagogue, and a myotic, and is in these respects antagonistic to atropine. 
Physostigmine also causes contraction of the pupil and spasm of the ciliary 
muscle by stimulation of the terminations of the third nerve, and it depresses 
the respiratory centre almost from the beginning. In these points it is an 
antagonist to atropine. 

[HOMATROPIN.E HYDROBROMAS. — Homatropine Hydro- 
bromate. B. P., not official.] C 16 H 21 N0 3 HBr[=355.i7]. The hydrobro- 
mate of an alkaloid prepared from Tropine. [Homatropine is really Oxytoluyl- 
tropine. ] 

Source. — [(1) Tropine, C 3 H 15 NO, a derivative of Atropine, is heated with 
Oxytoluic Acid in the presence of Hydrochloric Acid ; (2) Ammonia is added, 
and pure Homatropine shaken out with Chloroform ; (3) the Chloroformic 
solution is evaporated ; (4) the Homatropine is neutralized with Hydrobromic 
Acid. 

Characters. — Small prismatic white crystals. Solubility. — In 10 parts 
of water ; in 133 parts of Alcohol.] 

Dose, j-L to ^0 S T - > [-0005 to .003 gm.] subcutaneously. 

Action and Therapeutics of Homatropine Hydrobromate. 

Homatropine [hydrobromate] has an action exactly similar, 
so far as we know, to that of atropine. It is only used to dilate 



382 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

the pupil in ophthalmic practice, the advantage over atropine 
being that the dilatation produced by homatropine passes off in a 
quarter of the time. It may be applied as a solution, [1 in] 
distilled water [120.] Sometimes a solution in castor oil is used, 
for it is less likely to be washed out by the tears, but it may be 
rather irritating. 

STRAMONIUM. 

STRAMONII SEMEN.— Stramonium Seed. [The seed of Datura 
Strainonium Linne (nat. ord. Solanacece). Synonyms. — Thorn apple. Stink- 
weed. Jamestown Weed. Habitat. — Asia ; naturalized in most countries. 

Characters. — About 4 mm. long, reniform, flattened, pitted and wrinkled ; 
testa dull, brownish-black, hard, inclosing a cylindrical, curved embryo, im- 
bedded in a whitish, oily perisperm ; of an unpleasant odor when bruised, and 
of an oily and bitter taste.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Daturine (.02 to .03 
per cent. ) which resembles Atropine but is [probably identical with] Hyoscya- 
mine. Usually a little Atropine is present, and the term daturine is occasion- 
ally applied to the total alkaloids of Stramonium. (2) [A fixed oil (25 per cent. ), 
which contains Daturic Acid, C 1Y H 34 2 .] 

Incompatibles. — Caustic alkalies, metallic salts, and mineral acids. 

Dose, 1 to 3 gr. ; [.06 to .20 gm.] 

Preparations. 

1. Extractum Stramonii [Seminis. — Extract of Stramonium 
Seed. By maceration and percolation with Diluted Alcohol, and evap- 
oration. 

Extract of Stramoniztm Seed is used to prepare Unguentum 
Stramonii. 

Dose, % to Y* S T - y - OI 5 to -°3 S m - 

2. Extractum Stramonii Seminis Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of 
Stramonium Seed. By maceration and percolation with Alcohol and 
Water, and evaporation. 

Dose, 1 to 3 m. ; .06 to .20 c.c. 

3. Tinctura Stramonii Seminis. — Tinctura of Stramonium Seed. 
Stramonium Seed, 150; Diluted Alcohol, by maceration and percola- 
tion to 1000. 

Dose, 5 to 30 m. ; .30 to 2.00 c.c. 

4. Unguentum Stramonii. — Stramonium Ointment. Extract of 
Stramonium Seed, 10 ; Diluted Alcohol, 5 ; Benzoinated Lard, 85.] 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 383 

STRAMONII FOLIA. — Stramonium Leaves. [The leaves of Datura 
Stramonium Linne (nat. ord. Solanacece). 

Characters. — About 15 cm. long, petiolate, dark-green, smooth, ovate, 
pointed, unequal, especially at the base, coarsely and sinuately toothed ; thin, 
brittle, and nearly inodorous ; taste unpleasant, bitter and nauseous.] Rese?n- 
bling Stramonium Leaves. — Belladonna leaves, but less wrinkled ; hyoscyamus 
leaves, hairy. 

Composition. — As of the seeds; the proportion of alkaloids is very in- 
constant. 

Dose, 1 to 5 gr. ; .06 to .30 gm.] 

Action of Stramonium. 

The physiological action of stramonium is precisely that of 
belladonna ; the difference being that stramonium relaxes the 
muscular coat of the bronchial tubes more powerfully than bella- 
donna, and it may cause the heart to be a little irregular, and 
is generally thought to be more active than belladonna. 

Therapeutics of Stramonium. 

There is no reason why stramonium should not be employed 
for the same purposes as belladonna, but it is rarely used, except 
in cases of [the existence of the symptom] asthma, to relieve 
the spasm of the bronchial tubes. For this it is very valuable. 
Cigarettes of the leaves may be smoked, or the drug may be 
given internally. The following powder, which gives off dense 
fumes if burnt, is said to afford great relief for asthma : — Leaves 
of Datura Stramonium, Datura Tatula [not official], Cannabis 
Indica, and Lobelia Inflata, all in powder, of each 12 ; nitre in 
powder, 16 ; oil of eucalyptus, 1. Mix thoroughly. Himrod's, 
Bliss', and other "cures" for asthma are of similar composi- 
tion. 

HYOSCYAMUS. 

HYOSCYAMUS. — [Synonym. — Henbane. The leaves and flowering 
tops of Hyoscyamus Niger Linne (nat. ord. Solanacece) collected from plants 
of the second year's growth. Habitat. — Europe and Asia; naturalized in 
some parts of North America. 

Characters. — Leaves ovate, or ovate-oblong, up to 25 cm. long and 10 
cm. broad; sinuate-toothed, the teeth large, oblong or triangular"; grayish- 
green and, particularly on the lower surface, glandular-hairy; midrib promi- 



384 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

nent; flowers nearly sessile, with an urn-shaped, five- toothed calyx, and a 
light yellow purple- veined corolla ; odor heavy, narcotic ; taste bitter and 
somewhat acrid.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1 ) Hyoscy amine, C 17 H 23 N0 3 , 
an alkaloid. It is very closely allied to the active alkaloids of belladonna and 
stramonium {see p. 382) and is also contained in many plants of the natural 
order Solanacecz. It, like Atropine, with which it is isomeric, consists of 
Tropic Acid and Tropine. There is in commerce an amorphous impure Hy- 
oscyamine, which is a dark brown extract-like fluid having a disagreeable 
odor. As it is much cheaper than the crystalline alkaloid, it is often used, 
[but this as well as other specimens should be proscribed.] (2) Hyoscine [see 
p. 385], a white crystalline alkaloid. It is [stated to be] the same as Scopola- 
mine, an alkaloid isomeric with cocaine. Only its salts are used. 

Incompatibles. — Vegetable acids, silver nitrate, lead acetate, and 
alkalies. 

Dose, 5 to 15 gr. ; [.30 to 1.00 gm.] 

Preparations. 

1. Extractum Hyoscyami. — [Extract of Hyoscyamus. By 
maceration and percolation with diluted Alcohol and evaporation. 

Dose, y 2 to 2 gr. ; .03 to .12 gm.] 

2. Extractum Hyoscyami Fluidum. — [Fluid Extract of Hyoscy- 
amus. By maceration and percolation with Alcohol and water, and 
evaporation. 

Dose, 5 to 15 m. ; .30 to 1.00 c.c] 

3. Tinctura Hyoscyami. — [Tincture of Hyoscyamus. Hyoscy- 
amus, 150 ; diluted Alcohol to 1 000. By maceration and percolation. 

Dose, 1 to 4 fi. dr. ; 4. to 15. c.c] 

[HYOSCYAMINiE SULPHAS.— Hyoscyamine Sulphate. (C 17 H 23 
N0 3 ) 2 H 2 S0 4 =674.58. The neutral sulphate of an alkaloid prepared from 
Hyoscyamus. 

Source. — Hyoscyamus is treated with Ether, to remove fat, then with 
Alcohol acidulated with Sulphuric Acid and distilled. The aqueous residue 
is neutralized with Soda, and the liquid precipitated with Tannic Acid, the 
precipitate mixed with Lime, then exhausted by strong Alcohol. The Alco- 
holic solution is treated with Sulphuric Acid, then with Soda, and finally with 
Ether, which dissolves the alkaloid, which is obtained from it by' distillation. 

Characters. — White, indistinct crystals, or a white powder, without 
odor, and having a bitter, acrid taste ; deliquescent in damp air. Sohibilily. — 
In 0.5 part of water, and in 2.5 parts of Alcohol ; very slightly soluble in 
Ether or Chloroform. 

r. ; .001 to .002 gm. 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 385 

HYOSCYAMINiE HYDROBROMAS.— Hyoscyamine Hydrobro- 
mate. C 17 H 23 X0 3 HBr=369.i4. The hydrobromate of an alkaloid obtained 
from Hyoscyamus. 

Characters. — A yellowish- white, amorphous, resin-like mass, or pris- 
matic crystals, having, particularly when damp, a tobacco-like odor, and an 
acrid, nauseous, and bitter taste ; deliquescent on exposure to air. Solubility. 
— In about o. 3 part of water, 2 parts of Alcohol, 3000 parts of Ether, or 250 
parts of Chloroform. 

Dose, gL to 3L gr. ; .001 to .002 gm. 

HYOSCINE HYDROBROMAS.— Hyoscine Hydrobromate. C„ 
H. n XO i HBr-j-3H 2 0=436.98. The Hydrobromate of an alkaloid obtained 
from Hyoscyamus. 

Characters. — Colorless, transparent, rhombic crystals, odorless, and 
having an acrid, slightly bitter taste ; permanent in the air. Solubility. — In 
1.9 parts of water, and in 13 parts of Alcohol ; very slightly soluble in Ether 
or Chloroform. 

Dose, T ig to -^ gr. ; .0004 to .0006 gm.] 

Action of Hyoscyamus. 

That the action of hyoscyamus is almost identical with that 
of belladonna and stramonium is not surprising when we re- 
member the close resemblance in alkaloidal Composition. The 
following are the chief points of difference : ( 1 ) Hyoscyamus 
contains hyoscine in minute quantities. This is a powerful 
cerebral and spinal sedative, and therefore the excitation 
and delirium occasioned by the atropine in belladonna are not 
so evident when hyoscyamus is given ; indeed, that may, owing 
to the hyoscine in it, distinctly depress the higher functions of 
the brain. The heart is not quite so powerfully affected by hy- 
oscyamus as by belladonna, for hyoscine has a comparatively 
feeble cardiac influence. Still it is, of course, affected by the 
hyoscyamine, which acts like atropine. (2) Hyoscyamus 
increases the peristaltic contractions of the intestines 
more powerfully than belladonna, and at the same time it is 
more efficient in relieving the griping of other purgatives. 
(3) Hyoscyamus has a more markedly sedative action on 
the urinary unstriped muscle than belladonna. (4) Hyos- 
cine diminishes intra-ocular tension, therefore hyoscyamus does 
not affect this so much as belladonna. . 

2 5 ~u 



386 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDlCA. 

Therapeutics of Hyoscyamus. 

Hyoscyamus might be used for the same purpose as bella- 
donna, but is chiefly employed in combination with purgatives 
to diminish their griping action. It is also largely given to re- 
lieve vesical spasm in calculus, cystitis, and prostatitis, usually 
in conjunction with other urinary sedatives, as buchu, uva ursi, 
or benzoic acid if the urine is alkaline. It will be noticed that 
the doses of the preparations of hyoscyamus are larger than those 
of the corresponding preparations of belladonna. 

Hyoscine and hyoscyamine may, if given cautiously, be em- 
ployed as cerebral depressants, and are used in acute mania, de- 
lirium tremens, febrile delirium, and insomnia, sometimes with 
good results. They are mostly given in asylum practice. Hy- 
oscine is most used, and is usually given subcutaneously. 
Chorea, paralysis agUans, and other convulsive diseases have 
been treated with them, but the convulsions always recur when 
these drugs are discontinued. They must be given very care- 
fully, as the acftivity of different specimens varies, and fatal re- 
sults have followed their use. They should never be employed 
if the patient is weak. 

DUBOISINE SULPHAS.— Duboisine Sulphate. (Not official.) 
The Sulphate of the alkaloid Duboisine obtained from the leaves of Duboisia 
myoporoides, [nat. ord. Solanacece~\. Duboisine is probably identical with 
Hyoscyamine {see p. 384). 

Action and Therapeutics of Duboisine. 

The action of duboisine is like that of atropine, and ophthal- 
mic discs containing ^oVo of a grain [.000013 g m *] are used to 
dilate the pupil. 

CANNABIS INDICA. 

[INDIAN CANNABIS.— Synonym.— Indian Hemp. The flowering 
tops of the female plant of Cannabis sativa Linne (nat. ord. Urticacece), grown 
in the East Indies. Habitat. — Asia ; collected in India. 

Characters. — Branching, compressed, brittle, about 5 cm. or more long, 
with a few digitate leaves, having linear-lanceolate leaflets and numerous, 
sheathing, pointed bracts, each containing two small, pistillate flowers, some- 
times with the nearly ripe fruit, the whole more or less agglutinated with a 



DRUGS ACTING CH.IEFLY ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 387 

resinous exudation. It has a brownish green color, a peculiar, narcotic odor, 
and slightly acrid taste.] 

Composition. — [The chief constituents are (1) Cannabinon, a soft resin. 
(2) Choline, C 5 H 15 N0 2 , which is contained in (3) Tetanocannabine, and with 
alkalies gives (4) Cannabinine. (5) Cannabin, a brown, amorphous resin, 
said to be very active. ] 

Incompatible. — Water, which precipitates the resin. 

Dose, 2 to 5 gr. ; [.12 to .30 gm.] 

Preparations. 

1. Extractum Cannabis Indicae. — [Extract of Indian Cannabis. 
By maceration and percolation with Alcohol, and evaporation. 

Dose, i to ^f gr. ; .01 to .045 gm. 

2. Extractum Cannabis Indicae Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of 
Indian Cannabis. By maceration, percolation with Alcohol, which is 
distilled off, and evaporation. 

Dose, 2 to 5 m. ; .12 to .30 c.c. 

3. Tinctura Cannabis Indicae. — Tincture of Indian Cannabis. 
Indian Cannabis, 50 ; Alcohol, by maceration and percolation, to 1000. 

Dose, 5 to 30 m. ; .30 to 2.00 c.c] 

Synonyms. — Haschisch is a confection of the drug. Gunjah, or Ganga, is 
the dried flowering tops of the cultivated female plants which are coated with 
resin. Churrus or Charas is the resin scraped off the leaves. Bhang [or 
Siddhi] is the dried leaves [and stalks made with preserved fruits into a con- 
fection]. In some provinces it means powdered Ganga made into a drink. 
Ganga and Charas are often smoked like tobacco. 

Action of Cannabis Indica. 

External. — None is known. 

Internal. — The effects of cannabis indica vary very much 
on different people. This is partly due to the uncertain strength 
of the preparations of the drug, and partly to individual pecu- 
liarities, but generally the symptoms are somewhat as follows. 
After some time, usually from half an hour to two or three hours, 
there is a pleasurable sensation of mild intoxication ; the patient 
is particularly gay, joyous, and pleased with everything ; he will 
laugh and smile on the slightest provocation, and is himself able 
to say sharp, witty things. Pleasant ideas flit through his mind 
with wonderful rapidity, so that time seems to him much [pro- 
longed ; space also seems to be extended] . Generally the ideas 



3 38 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

are quickly forgotten, but sometimes the memory of them re- 
mains after recovery. The eyes are bright, the pupils may be 
dilated. The limbs feel heavy, and there is a marked lowering 
of general sensibility, so that he scarcely feels a severe pinch ; 
this may pass on to complete anaesthesia. There may be head- 
ache. After a time sleep, which is often accompanied by de- 
lightful dreams, comes on. [On awakening the sense of hunger 
is acute.] The drug is frequently taken in the East to produce 
the early pleasurable symptoms, and, in moderation, it causes no 
harm. Very few take it to excess, but in them it leads to loss 
of appetite and strength, trembling and much weakness. Can- 
nabis indica is reputed to occasionally produce sexual excite- 
ment, but this is incorrect. Large doses given to a dog only 
made him sleepy, and uncertain on his legs, but he appeared 
contented and pleased. Much the same results followed when a 
monkey was made to inhale the smoke daily for six months. 

Therapeutics of Cannabis Indica. 

It has been given with success in migraine and neuralgia, but 
it very often fails to afford relief. Its use as an hypnotic has 
been discarded. The tincture is very difficult to prescribe, be- 
cause of the voluminous precipitate of resin which falls on the 
addition of water. Mucilage must be used to suspend it, and 
the taste should be covered with spirit of chloroform. 

CAFFEINA. 

CAFFEINE.— C 8 H 10 N 4 O 2 +H 2 O=2i 1.68. Synonyms.— Theine. Guar- 
anine. [A feebly basic, proximate principle, obtained from the dried leaves 
of Thea sinensis Linne (nat. ord. Ternstramiacece), or from the dried seed of 
Coffea arabica Linne (nat. ord. Rubiacece), and found also in other plants. 
Habitat. — Tropical Africa ; cultivated in tropical countries. 

Source. — Exhaust bruised coffee by successive portions of boiling water, 
precipitate with Lead Acetate, decompose the excess of Lead Acetate in the 
filtrate by Hydrogen Sulphide, concentrate by evaporation, neutralize with 
Ammonia. The Caffeine crystallizes on cooling, and is purified by re-dissolving 
in water, treating with Animal Charcoal, and evaporation. 

Characters. — Fleecy masses of long, flexible, white crystals, possessing 
a silky lustre, without odor, having a bitter taste, and permanent in the air. 
Solubility. — In 8o parts of water, ^>Z parts of Alcohol, 555 parts of Ether, or 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY OX THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 389 

7 parts of Chloroform.] Tea contains 3 to 5 per cent, (hence the name Theine), 
Coffee, 1.3 per cent, (coffee leaves contain much more). Guarana (the seeds of 
Paullinia [Cupana]), [4 to] 5 per cent, (hence the name Guaranine). Mate 
(Paraguay tea, the leaves of Ilex paraguayensis), 1.2 per cent. Kola nut 
(which is used as a beverage in Africa), 3 per cent. ; this is the fruit of Ster- 
culia acuminata. Caffeine is trimethyl-xanthine, theobromine is dimethyl- 
xanthine, and both can be prepared synthetically from xanthine. 

[Strictly speaking, Theine is the alkaloid of tea-leaves. It differs from 
caffeine in that it is analgesic and constipates. Much of the caffeine in the 
market is really theine and is made from the sweepings of tea -warehouses. ] 

Incompatible^. — Potassium iodide, mercury salts, and tannic acid. 

Dose, 1 to 5 gr. ; [.06 to .30 gm.] 

Preparations. 

[1. Caffeina Citrata. — Citrated Caffeine. Dissolve Citric Acid, 
50, in hot Distilled Water, 100 ; add the Caffeine, 50, and evaporate the 
resulting solution on a water-bath to dryness, constantly stirring towards 
the end of the operation. Reduce the product to a fine powder. 

Characters. — A white powder, odorless, having a purely acid 
taste and an acid reaction. Solubility. — One part of Citrated Caffeine 
forms a clear, syrupy solution with about 3 parts of water. 

Dose, 2 to 8 gr. ; .12 to .50 gm. 

2. Caffeina Citrata Effervescens. — Effervescent Citrated Caf- 
feine. Caffeine, 10 ; Citric Acid, 10 ; Sodium Bicarbonate, 330 ; Tar- 
taric Acid, 300 ; Sugar, 350 ; Alcohol, to make 1000. Triturate the 
solid ingredients, separately well dried, to a fine uniform powder. Mix 
this with Alcohol to a soft paste and rub it through a sieve. Then dry 
it, and reduce it to a coarse, granular powder. 

Dose, 1 to 4 dr. ; 4. to 15. gm.] 

Action of Caffeine. 

External. — None. 

Internal. — Alimentary canal. — Excessive tea-drinking may 
cause indigestion, but this is probably induced by the tannic acid 
in the tea, and not by the caffeine. The teeth of tea tasters are 
very liable to decay. Coffee is, with some persons, slightly lax- 
ative ; it is not known to what ingredient this is due. 

Circulation. — Caffeine is freely absorbed. It produces no 
change in the blood. Moderate doses increase the force of 
the cardiac contraction and the duration of the systole, 
the diastolic period being shortened ; as a consequence of this 



390 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

the blood -pressure rises. The pulse is usually slowed. Toxic 
doses paralyze the heart. These effects are largely due to the 
direct action of caffeine on the cardiac muscle, but also to an 
action on the inhibitory centres. 

Vessels. — Caffeine causes first a constriction and then a dilata- 
tion of the arterioles of the body, and this is due principally to 
its action on the muscular coat and slightly to its action on vaso- 
motor centres. 

Respiration. — In animals the rate of breathing is increased by 
caffeine. Medicinal doses are said to excite and toxic doses to 
depress it. 

Nervous system. — It is well known that tea and coffee stimu- 
late the cerebrum. This is due to the caffeine in them. The 
patient becomes wakeful, the mental activity and capability for 
work are increased, the reasoning powers being quite as much 
affected as the imagination. In this respect the cerebral stimu- 
lation of caffeine differs from that of opium, and also in that the 
excitation is not inco-ordinate, nor is it soon replaced by sleep. 
Very excessive tea-drinking causes trembling of all the muscles 
of the body, and makes the patient extremely "nervous." 

In man the spinal cord and muscles are very little affected by 
caffeine, but in some frogs the spinal cord is decidedly stimu- 
lated, and convulsions occur ; in other species the muscles are 
thrown into a state of rigidity, which is clearly due to an action 
on the muscles themselves, for it follows the application of caf- 
feine to an isolated muscle. Sometimes the muscle curve is 
altered in character. It is believed that in man the powers of 
muscular endurance are increased by caffeine. Motor and sen- 
sory nerves are uninfluenced in all animals. 

Kidneys. — As caffeine first causes a contraction of arterioles 
there is decrease in the urinary flow ; but soon the renal vessels 
dilate, the renal cells are stimulated and the flow of urine is in- 
creased. Thus caffeine is a good local diuretic. 

Metabolism. — Many elaborate experiments have been made 
upon the action of caffeine on tissue waste ; they are all of them 
inconclusive, [probably] because it has no effect. It increases 
the excretion of xanthin in the urine ; probably this xanthin is 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 39 1 

derived directly from it, and the increased urea said to be ex- 
creted may also proceed directly from the caffeine. Toxic doses 
may cause a slight rise of temperature. 

Therapeutics of Caffeine. 

Heart. — Caffeine has been most used in heart disease. It is 
given when, as in aortic or mitral obstruction, a purely stimulant 
effect is desired ; large doses, 3 or 8 gr. [.20 to .50 gm.] a day 
of the [citrated, or 2 to 6 dr., 8. to 24. gm., of the effervescent 
citrated] , are often easily borne, and may be combined with 
strychnine. [These preparations are useful, when combined 
with antipyrin or acetanilid derivatives, to counteract their de- 
pressing influence upon the heart.] Caffeine will not replace 
digitalis, for it does not slow the heart nor make it regular, and 
it shortens the diastole. It is, on account of its diuretic action, 
especially valuable in cardiac cases in which there is dropsy. 
Tea and coffee are, in some persons, liable to produce irregularity 
of the heart. 

Kidney. — Small doses of caffeine are powerfully diuretic, and 
are therefore used in heart disease, ascites, pleuritic effusion, etc. 
As the drug acts directly on the kidney, it should be given 
cautiously in renal disease. Many patients so soon become used 
to it that at the end of a week it has lost its power of producing 
diuresis. 

Nervous system. — Occasionally it cures migraine, but it is not 
so useful as [antipyrin] or exalgin. 

It may be rendered sufficiently soluble for subcutaneous ad- 
ministration by mixing it with a solution of sodium salicylate. 

GUARANA. 

GUARANA— Synonym. — Brazilian Cocoa. [A dried paste chiefly 
consisting of the crushed or pounded seeds of Paullinia Cupana, Kunth 
(Paullinia sorbilis, Martius ; nat. ord., Sapindacece.) Habitat. — Northern 
and \Vestern Brazil. 

Characters. — Subglobular or elliptic cakes, or cylindrical sticks, hard, 
dark reddish-brown ; fracture uneven, somewhat glossy, pale reddish-brown, 
showing fragments of seeds invested with blackish-brown integuments ; odor 
slight, peculiar, resembling that of chocolate ; taste, astringent and bitter. 
Solubility. — It is partly soluble in water, and in Alcohol. 



39 2 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are (i) Guaranine, identical with 
Caffeine, 4 to 5 per cent, {see p 388); (2) Volatile Oil, a trace ; (3) Saponin; 
(4) Tannic acid. 

Dose, j^ to 1 dr. ; 1. to 4. gm. 

Preparation. 

Extractum Guaranae Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Guarana. By 
maceration and percolation with Alcohol and water, and evaporation. 
Dose, ^ to 1 fl. dr. ; 1. to 4. c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Guarana. 

Although there is no reason to believe that guaranine does not 
produce the same action on the nervous system, heart and kid- 
neys as caffeine, yet it is rarely used except for sick headaches ; 
but in these cases it is sometimes of the greatest service. 

[THEOBROMINE SODIO-SALICYLAS. 

THEOBROMINE SODIO-SALICYLATE. (Not official). — 
C 7 H 7 NaN 4 2 -J-NaC 7 H 5 3 =36i.42. Synonym. — Diuretin. 

Source. — By the interaction of Sodium Theobromine and Sodium Sali- 
cylate. It contains 49.7 per cent, of Theobromine.] It corresponds to the 
Caffeine Sodio-Salicylate, the salt of Caffeine most used in Germany. 

[Characters. — A white powder, soluble in half its weight of warm 
water, the solution remaining perfect when cooled. 

Dose, 15 to 30 gr. ; 1. to 2. gm. 

Action and Uses of Theobromine Sodio-Salicylate. 

This is a pure diuretic acting upon the renal epithelium, 
without action upon the heart, and it is believed that it does not 
irritate the kidneys. The daily dose is from one to two drachms ; 
4. to 8. gm., best administered in solution with aromatic water. 
It has been administered with benefit in cases of severe cardiac 
or hepatic dropsy.] It is said, that it does not produce depres- 
sion, but it has occasionally given rise to severe symptoms, 
[which may have been due to impurities.] 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 393 

Class II.— DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE SPINAL CORD. 
[A. The following excite the cells of the anterior cornua.] 

NUX VOMICA. 

NUX VOMICA.— Synonyms. — Poison Nut. [Dog Button. Quaker 
Button. The seed of Strychnos Nux-vomica Linne (nat. ord. Loganiacece). 
Habitat. — India and East Indian Islands. 

Characters. — About 25 mm. in diameter, orbicular, grayish or greenish- 
gray ; soft-hairy, of a silky lustre, with a slight ridge extending from the 
centre of one side to the edge ; internally horny, somewhat translucent, very 
tough, with a large, circular cavity, into which the heart-shaped, nerved coty- 
ledons project. It is inodorous and persistently bitter.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Strychnine {see below), 
0.9 to 1.9 per cent. ; (2) Brucine, which is dimethyl oxylstrychnine, C 23 H 26 
N 2 4 , 0.9 to 1.5 per cent, in colorless prismatic crystals or pearly flakes. Very 
bitter, but less so than Strychnine. \_Brucine is found in Hoarig-Nan.] Solu- 
bility. — Freely in Alcohol, and in 7 parts of Chloroform. It has the same 
action as Strychnine, but is considerably less powerful and slower in its effects. 
Strong Sulphuric or Nitric Acid gives a blood-red color. (3) Igasuric Acid, 
with which the Strychnine and Brucine are united. (4) Loganin, [C 25 H 34 14 ,] 
in colorless prisms, an inert glucoside. 

Dose, 1 to 4 gr. ; [.06 to .24 gm.] 

Preparations. 

1. Extractum Nucis Vomicae. — [Extract of Nux Vomica. By 
maceration with Acetic Acid, Alcohol and Water, percolation with 
Alcohol and Water, and distillation ; treat with Ether, filter, evaporate 
and add Sugar of Milk. 

Extract of Nux Vo?nica is used to make Tinctura Nucis Vomicae. 
Dose, yi to 1 gr. ; .008 to .06 gm. 

2. Extractum Nucis Vomicae Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Nux 
Vomica. By digestion with Acenc Acid, Alcohol and Water, and per- 
colation with Alcohol and Water. Distil off the Alcohol and evaporate. 

Dose, 1 to 4 m. ; .06 to .25 c.c. 

3. Tinctura Nucis Vomicae.— Tincture of Nux Vomica. Ex- 
tract of Nux Vomica, 20 ; Alcohol and Water to 1 000. By solution. 

Dose, 5 to 20 m. ; .30 to 1.20 c.c.j] 

STRYCHNINA.— Strychnine. C 21 H 22 N 2 2 [=333.3i. An alkaloid 
obtained from Nux Vomica, and also obtainable from other plants of the 
natural order Loganiacece, especially from the Strychnos Ignalia. 

Source. — (1) Comminute the Nux Vomica ; (2) Extract the Strychnine 
with water acidulated with Hydrochloric Acid; (3) Concentrate the infusion, 
decompose the Strychnine with Lime ; (4) Extract the Strychnine from the 



394 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

precipitate with boiling Alcohol ; (5 ) Concentrate the solution to obtain the 
crystals. 

Characters. — Colorless, transparent, octahedral or prismatic crystals, or 
a white crystalline powder, odorless, and having an intensely bitter taste per- 
ceptible even in highly dilute ( I in 700,000) solution. Only extremely diluted 
solutions should be tasted. Permanent in the air. Solubility .—In 6700 parts 
of water ; in no parts of Alcohol ; in 2500 parts of boiling water ; and in 12 
parts of boiling Alcohol. Also soluble in 7 parts of Chloroform, but almost 
insoluble in Ether.] Gives no color with Nitric or Sulphuric Acids. Add to 
a crystal strong Sulphuric Acid, and then add a particle of Potassium Bichro- 
mate, a beautiful violet color, passing to brown and green, is formed. /Re- 
sembling Strychnine. — Salicylic Acid [q. v.) 

Incompatibles. — Alkalies, Iodides and Bromides ; the last are especially 
dangerous, for the precipitated strychnine bromide falls slowly. 

Impurity. — Brucine, distinguished by tests. 

\_Strychnine is used to prepare Ferri et Strychnine Citras and Syrupus 
Ferri, Quininse et Strychninse Phosphatum. 

Dose, gL to ^g- gr. ; .001 to .003 gm. in solution, or made in a pill with 
Sugar of Milk (thoroughly to divide it) and Glycerin of Tragacanth ; or hypo- 
dermatically. The Nitrate (not official), soluble in I in 60 of water, may be 
used. 

STRYCHNINE SULPHAS.— Strychnine Sulphate. (C 21 H 22 N 2 2 ) 2 
H 2 S0 4 +5H 2 0=8 54 .2 4 . 

SOURCE. — By the action of Diluted Sulphuric Acid on Strychnine, filtra- 
tion and evaporation. 

Characters. — Colorless or white, prismatic crystals, odorless and having 
an intensely bitter taste perceptible even in highly dilute ( I in 700,000) solu- 
tion. Efflorescent in dry air. Solubility. — In 50 parts of water, and in 109 
parts of Alcohol ; almost insoluble in Ether. 

Dose, gL to T L gr. ; .001 to .005 gm.] 

Action of Nux Vomica. 

External. — Strychnine is a very powerful antiseptic. 
Brucine is a local anaesthetic. 

Internal. — Gastro-intestinal tract. —Being intensely bitter, 
nux vomica is a good stomachic, increasing the vascularity of 
the gastric mucous membrane, the secretion of gastric juice, and 
the movements of the stomach, just like calumba, gentian, or 
any other bitter ; consequently it aids digestion and sharpens the 
appetite. In the intestine it is a direct stimulant to the intestinal 
muscular coat, and by this means it increases peristalsis, and 
is therefore purgative. 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 395 

Blood. — Strychnine is absorbed into the blood, and circulates 
as such. If blood is mixed with strychnine and shaken with air, 
it contains more oxygen and less carbon [dioxide] than it would 
have done had the strychnine been absent ; but there is no evi- 
dence that strychnine in small doses alters the oxidizing power 
of living blood. 

Spinal cord. — Strychnine causes convulsions. They are 
not cerebral, for they occur if the spinal cord is separated from 
the brain. They do not depend upon excitation of the motor 
nerves or muscles, for they are absent in a limb the spinal ante- 
rior nerve-roots of which are cut. They occur if the posterior 
nerve-roots are cut, provided the proximal end is stimulated. 
Therefore they must be spinal ; and this is proved by the fact 
that if all the vessels of the lower part of the spinal cord are 
[li gated] just at their entry into the cord, so that this is the only 
part of the body deprived of its blood supply, and strychnine is 
injected into the blood, convulsions occur in all the muscles ex- 
cept those the nerves of which spring from the part of the cord 
which the strychnine cannot reach. Again, if an animal be 
convulsed by strychnine, and a probe be slowly passed down the 
spinal canal, the convulsions will gradually cease from above 
downwards. But a peripheral stimulus, particularly if sharp and 
sudden, so easily excites convulsions when strychnine has been 
given that we are justified in assuming that every convulsion is 
excited by a peripheral stimulus, and often so slight as not to be 
evident. Further, strychnine enormously exaggerates the con- 
duction power of the cord in such a way that general convul- 
sions reflexly follow a very slight local stimulus. It is believed 
that the precise part of the spinal cord stimulated to increased 
excitability by strychnine is that immediately on the afferent side 
of the anterior cornual cells. 

Muscles and nerves. — Even with enormous doses the muscles 
and afferent nerves are unaffected. Towards the end of a case of 
poisoning the functional activity of the motor end-organs is de- 
pressed. This is due to direct action on them, and occurs readily 
in some species of frogs. 

Brain. — The convolutions are quite unaffected. The 



39^ ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

centres in the medulla, which are really the continuation upwards 
of the anterior cornua of the cord, are powerfully stimulated, 
especially the respiratory centre. The vaso-motor centre 
is also considerably excited, and chiefly for this reason the 
blood-pressure rises from the very first. The cardiac centre is 
but slightly affected [although the clinical evidence is in favor 
of its being strongly influenced]. 

Circulation. — Strychnine stimulates the heart directly, 
either by its action on the cardiac muscles or, as most authorities 
think, by stimulating the motor ganglia. The blood-pressure 
is raised, partly no doubt by the action on the heart, but also 
by the contraction of the vessels all over the body, which is 
brought about first by the direct excitation, by the strychnine, of 
the medullary vaso-motor centre, and subsequently by its asphyx- 
ial stimulation, and also by the increased peripheral resistance 
which must occur from the frequent contraction of all the muscles. 
[The result is that the force of the heart is increased and the 
diastole lengthened.] 

Respiration. — Respiration is rendered quicker and deeper 
because strychnine excites the spinal and medullary respiratory 
centres. The respiratory muscles are implicated in the general 
convulsions with the result that the patient ultimately becomes 
asphyxiated owing to exhaustion of them, and to their prolonged 
contraction during the convulsive spasms. The heart continues 
to beat after death which is entirely due to failure of respiration. 
The excessive muscular contractions occasionally cause a rise of 
temperature, but so rarely that often the loss of heat must be 
greatly increased. 

Special senses. — Smell, hearing, touch and sight are sharpened 
by strychnine. The field of vision, especially for blue, is said to 
be enlarged. 

Elimination. — Strychnine is eliminated unchanged in the 
urine. It is excreted very slowly, and therefore accumulates in 
the system. Tolerance is never established. For a clinical ac- 
count of strychnine poisoning see Toxicology. 

Brucine and thebaine act like strychnine, but methyl-bru- 
cine, methyl-thebaine, and methyl-strychnine do not influ- 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 397 

ence the cord, but paralyze the ends of the motor nerves like 
curare. 

Strychnine acts on all animals in the main as on man ; but 
some birds and guinea-pigs are less susceptible to it, for they 
absorb it slowly. 

Therapeutics of Nux Vomica. 

External. — Strychnine is so posionous that its use as an 
antiseptic would not be safe. 

Internal. — Gastro -intestinal tract. — Tincture of nuxvomica 
is very largely given with excellent results as a bitter stomachic 
and carminative, especially in cases in which the feebleness of 
digestion is merely part of generally feeble health. [Twenty 
drops of tincture of nux vomica in a wineglass of hot water will 
frequently at once check gastro-intestinal fermentation.] A mix- 
ture of diluted hydrochloric acid, gentian and nux vomica is of 
great service in these cases. As the digestion improves, the 
general health improves. Because of its power to stimulate 
peristalsis nux vomica is a valuable drug for cases of constipation 
in which the contractile strength of the muscular coat of the in- 
testine is weak ; usually this is a part of a general weakness of the 
whole body. The constipation of anaemia, which can be very 
successfully treated by a pill of extract of nux vomica and ferrous 
sulphate, is a good instance of this variety of constipation. 

Circulation. — In cases of heart disease in which digitalis is 
inadmissible, nux vomica and strychnine are excellent cardiac 
stimulants, and for this purpose they may be combined with 
caffeine. Patients almost dead from failure of the heart in the 
course of chronic cardiac disease may sometimes be brought 
around by the subcutaneous injection of strychnine. 

Respiration. — Strychnine may be combined with expectorants, 
because it stimulates the respiratory centre ; and it is extremely 
serviceable when from any cause, such as severe bronchitis, the 
respirations are feeble and shallow. [It is also useful in pneumo- 
nia when death is imminent from dilatation of the right heart. 
In this condition it should be administered hypodermatically and 
at frequent intervals.] 



39^ ORGANIC MATERIA MEDlCA. 

Nervous system. — It has been given for a number of nervous 
diseases, but with no constantly good results, for when the disease 
is not in the anterior cornua, strychnine is hardly indicated ; and 
if it is in this part of the cord, it is doubtful whether it is advisa- 
ble to stimulate the part of the body which is diseased. 

Toxicology. 

Symptoms. — In about an hour after a poisonous dose the patient begins to 
feel uneasy from a sensation of impending suffocation. The tetanic convulsions 
then commence with greafviolence, nearly all the muscles of the body being 
affected at once. The limbs are thrown out, the hands are clenched, the head 
is jerked forwards and then bent backwards, and the whole body is perfectly stiff 
from the violence of the contractions. The pulse is very rapid ; the temperature 
may rise. Hearing and sight are acute. The convulsion lasts a minute or two, 
then the muscles relax, and the patient feels exhausted and sweats all over. The 
intermission is short, convulsions soon come on again, and again there is a 
relapse to the state of muscular relaxation. The convulsions now rapidly 
increase in severity, and owing to the violent contractions of the muscles of the 
back, the patient is in the position of opisthotonos, resting on his head and his 
heels. The abdominal muscles are as hard as a board, the chest is fixed, the 
face becomes livid, the eyeballs are staring. The contraction of the muscles 
of the face causes a risus sardonicus j but those of the jaw are not affected till 
near the end ; [this aids in distinguishing strychnine poisoning from tetanus.] 
Consciousness is retained till the last. The slightest noise or even a bright light 
will reflexly bring on the convulsions, which may jerk the patient out of bed. 
Ultimately he dies from exhaustion and asphyxia. The smallest dose of strych- 
nine known to have killed is half a grain ; [.03 gm.] Post-niortem. — The usual 
appearances of death by asphyxia are seen. 

Strychnine poisoning is liable to be confounded with tetanus, but in this 
disease symptoms come on more slowly, the muscles of the jaw are implicated 
very early, and there is continuous muscular rigidity with paroxysmal exacer- 
bations, but never complete muscular relaxation. 

Treatment. — [Give emetics {see p. 139), particularly apomorphine hydro- 
chlorate hypodermatically, or wash out the stomach if the patient is seen early 
enough for the passing of the tube not to cause spasm]. The stomach [may 
be] washed with solution of potassium permanganate as for opium [poisoning, 
but it is not so effective]. Inject large doses of potassium bromide and chloral 
per rectum. Use amyl nitrite inhalations, and if possible artificial respiration. 

Antagonism. 

In a sense strychnine is antidotal to chloral and morphine, but it is not a 
strict antidote, for they act chiefly on the cerebrum. Still chloral is valuable 
in strychnine poisoning, and although the antagonism with Calabar bean and 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 399 

gelsemium is more accurate, as both depress the anterior cornua, yet they are 
of very little use in strychnine poisoning. [Chloroform is the most practical 
antidote to strychnine. 

B. The following depress the cells of the anterior 
cornua.] 

PHYSOSTIGMA.] 

PHYSOSTIGMA. — [Synenyms.— Calabar bean. Ordeal bean. The 
seed of Physostigma venenosum Balfour (nat. ord. Leguminosce). Habitat. — 
Tropical Western Africa, near the mouth of the Niger and old Calabar. 

Characters. — About 25 to 30 mm. long, 15 to 20 mm. broad, and 10 to 
15 mm. thick; oblong, and somewhat reniform ; testa granular, chocolate- 
brown, with a broad, black groove extending over the entire length of the con- 
vex edge ; embryo with a short, curved radicle, and two large, white, concavo- 
convex cotyledons ; inodorous ; taste, bean-like. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are : (1) Pkysostigmine or Eserine 
(see below) ; (2) Calabarine, a derivative of Pkysostigmine ; (3) Eseridine ; 
and (4) Physosterin a neutral principle closely related to cholesterine. 

Dose, V 2 to 2 gr. ; .03 to .12 gm. of the powdered seeds.] 

Preparations. 

1. Extractum Physostigmatis. — [Extract of Physostigma. By 
maceradon, percolation with Alcohol and evaporation. 

Dose, Jq to }4 g r « - °6 to .03 gm., internally, or rather less dis- 
solved in 10 m. ; .60 c.c. of water and given subcutaneously. 

2. Tinctura Physostigmatis. — Tincture of Physostigma. Phy- 
sostigma, 150. By maceration and percolation with Alcohol to 1000. 

Dose, 10 to 30 m. ; .60 to 2.00 c.c. 

PHYSOSTIGMINE SALICYLAS. — Physostigmine Salicylate 
C 15 H 21 N 3 2 C 7 H 6 3 =4I2.I7. Synonym. — Eserine Salicylate. The Salicy- 
late of an Alkaloid obtained from Physostigma. 

Source. — By adding Physostigmine to a solution of Salicylic Acid in 
boiling Distilled Water, and allowing the salt to crystallize on cooling. 

Characters. — Colorless or faintly yellowish, shining, acicular, or short, 
columnar crystals, odorless, and having a bitter taste. It acquires a reddish 
lint when long exposed to light and air. Solubility. — In 150 parts of water, 
and in 12 parts of Alcohol. 

Dose, yi^ to -giy gr. ; .0006 to .002 gm. 

PHYSOSTIGMINE SULPHAS.— Physostigmine Sulphate. C 15 H 21 
N 3 2 ).,H 2 S0 4 =646.82. Synonym. — Eserine Sulphate. The Sulphate of an 
Alkaloid obtained from Physostigma. 

Characters. — A white or yellowish-white, micro-crystalline powder ; 



400 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

odorless, and having a bitter taste. It is very deliquescent when exposed to 
moist air, and gradually turns reddish by exposure to air and light. Solubility. 
— Very soluble in water and in Alcohol. 
Dose, T i^ to ¥ L g r , • .0006 to .002 gm.] 

Action of Calabar Bean. 

External. — None. 

Internal. — Mouth. — After physostigmine is absorbed it in- 
creases the salivary secretion ; and this has been shown to 
be due to stimulation of the terminations of the secretory nerves 
in the glands. Other secretions are increased, probably in the 
same way. After a time the flow of saliva ceases, because the 
drug has so acted on the circulation as to constrict the vessels, 
and consequently the flow of blood through the salivary glands 
is diminished. 

Stomach and intestines. — The muscular coat of the stomach 
and intestines is stimulated by the direct action of the drug 
circulating through it. The result is that after a large dose 
vomiting and purging occur. Physostigmine is quickly ab- 
sorbed. 

Circulation. — No influence on the blood is known. The 
effect on the heart is obscure, but it appears that the irritability 
of the peripheral terminations of the vagus is at first increased, 
and that consequently the heart is slowed. Very large doses 
are said to decrease the irritability of the vagus. In addition to 
its effects on the vagus, physostigmine powerfully stimulates the 
contractile force of the heart. The beat is therefore both more 
forcible and slower. Ultimately the organ is paralyzed and 
stops in diastole. 

The blood-pressure rises very much ; this is largely due 
to the increased force of the cardiac beat, and partly to contrac- 
tion of all unstriped muscle of the abdominal viscera, driving 
much blood out of the abdomen. It is not known for certain 
if the unstriped muscle of the arteries is stimulated. Analogy 
would leave us to suppose that it is. 

Respiration. — This is first quickened, but soon retarded, and 
death takes place from asphyxia. Three factors at least are 
probably concerned in bringing about these results. The ends 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 4OI 

of the vagi in the lungs are stimulated, for if these nerves are cut 
and physostigmine is administered there is no primary quicken- 
ing of respiration. Physostigmine, from its action on involun- 
tary muscular fibre, causes contraction of that in the bronchial 
tubes, with consequent constriction of them. Lastly and the 
most important, the activity of the respiratory centres in the 
medulla and cord is depressed. 

Nervous system. — Brain. — Even in fatal doses consciousness 
is unimpaired. The only part of the brain known to be affected 
is the respiratory centre. 

Spinal cord. — It is here that physostigmine produces its most 
characteristic effects. Reflex activity is inhibited ; by ex- 
clusion it can be shown that this is not owing to any influence 
on the nerves or voluntary muscles, therefore it is due to depres- 
sion of the anterior cornua of the spinal cord. The most 
conclusive proof of this is the direct application of the drug to 
the cord. There is then, at first, from the irritation, which is 
caused by almost any substance, a slight increase of reflex ex- 
citability, but this soon gives way to complete abolition of it. 
Later on the posterior part of the cord is also paralyzed, so that 
there is a diminution of cutaneous sensibility. 

Voluntary muscles a7id their nerves. — Muscular twitchings fol- 
low large doses in many animals. These appear to be due to the 
action on the motor nerve terminations ; sensory nerves are un- 
affected. 

Involuntary muscles. — We have already seen that the involun- 
tary muscles of the intestines, stomach, and bronchial tubes are 
stimulated by physostigmine ; so also are those of the spleen, 
uterus, bladder, and iris. Probably in all these instances it is 
the terminations of the motor nerves that are affected. 

Eye. — Physostigmine applied locally to the conjunctiva or 
introduced into the circulation causes contraction of the 
pupil, spasm of accommodation from direct stimulation of 
the ends of the motor nerves of the iris and the ciliary muscle. 
There is a diminution of intra-ocular tension. Thus, as 
regards both secretions and the eye, physostigmine is antagonistic 
to atropine. 

26 



402 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

The action of physostigmine is much more constant than that 
of Calabar bean, perhaps because the other active principles in 
the bean interfere with the action of physostigmine. 

Therapeutics of Calabar Bean. 

Involuntary muscles. — Because of its stimulating power on 
unstriped muscle Calabar bean has been recommended for chronic 
constipation, atony of the bladder, and chronic bronchitis with 
deficient power of expectoration, but it is rarely given for these 
purposes. 

Spinal cord. — Calabar bean has been largely used for tetanus, 
and some cases of recovery have been reported. It must be 
administered boldly ; the extract has often been given, but it is 
better to inject physostigmine sulphate under the skin. Doses 
of -§V gr., [.002 gm.], frequently repeated, may be employed, 
but the patient must be carefully watched. Physostigmine has 
been given as an antidote for strychnine poisoning. 

Eye. — [A solution of physostigmine salicylate 1 or 2, to 
water, 480 ; is dropped] in the eye to break up adhesions of the 
iris, to diminish intra-ocular tension, and to prevent prolapse of 
the iris after wounds, or ulcers of the cornea. It is also em- 
ployed in glaucoma, in paralysis of the iris and ciliary muscles, 
and to prevent the entrance of light into the eye in photophobia. 

Antagonism. 

It will be observed that in its actions on the pupil, on secretion, on the 
heart, and on respiration, physostigmine is antagonistic to atropine. In its 
action on the spinal cord and respiratory centre it is antagonistic to strychnine. 

[MUSCARINA. 

MUSCARINE. (Not official).— C 5 H 15 N0 3 = 1 36. 74. An alkaloid ob- 
tained from Amanita Muscaria, Fly Fungus. Habitat. — Russia and North- 
ern Europe. 

Characters. — A liquid of the consistence of syrup, without odor or taste. 
Solubility. — Nearly in water and Alcohol ; insoluble in Ether and Chloroform. 

Dose, yi to 2 m. ; .008 to .12 c.c. 



drugs acting chiefly on the nervous system. 403 

Action and Uses of Muscarine. 

Muscarine in its action somewhat resembles Calabar bean, and 
it is antagonistic to atropine. It produces free salivation, abun- 
dant perspiration, diminution of the force and frequency of the 
pulse, dyspnoea, paralysis and finally death. The pupil is con- 
tracted ; dilating, however, before death. The cardiac diastole 
is prolonged, due to action upon the inhibitory nerves. The 
muscles of the intestines and bladder are markedly contracted. 
The abdominal secretions are increased. Although it has been 
but little used in medicine, it is likely to be useful in intestinal 
torpor, duodenal catarrh, and in inflammatory effusions and exu- 
dations. As it produces contraction of pulmonary capillaries, it 
is indicated in pulmonary haemorrhage and incipient pulmonary 
congestion.] 

GELSEMIUM. 

GELSEMIUM. Synonym. — Yellow Jasmine. [The rhizome and roots 
of Gelsemiujn sempervirens (Linne) Persoon (nat. ord. Loganiacecc). Habitat. 
— Southern United States. 

Characters. — Cylindrical, long, or cut in sections, mostly from 5 to 15 
mm. and occasionally 3 cm. thick, the roots much thinner ; externally light 
yellowish-brown, with purplish-brown, longitudinal lines ; tough ; fracture 
splintery ; bark thin, with silky bast-fibres, closely adhering to the pale yel- 
lowish, porous wood, which has fine, medullary rays, and in the rhizome a 
thin pith ; odor, aromatic, heavy ; taste bitter.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are— (1) Gehemine, [C 54 H 69 N 4 12 , 
a colorless, with difficulty crystallizable, bitter alkaloid, soluble in Alcohol and 
Ether, sparingly in water. (2) Gelseminine, a brown, amorphous, bitter alka- 
loid, very poisonous. (3) Gelseminic Acid. (4) A volatile oil. 

Dose, 5 to 10 gr. ; .30 to .60 gm. Of Gelseraine hydrochlorate (not 
official), ^ to J5 gr. ; .001 to .003 gm. 

Preparations. 

1. Extractum Gelsemii Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Gelsemium. 
By maceration and percolation with Alcohol and evaporation. 

Dose, 5 to 10 m. ; .30 to .60 c.c. 

2. Tinctura Gelsemii. — Tincture of Gelsemium. Gelsemium, 
150 ; by maceration and percolation with Alcohol, to 1000. 

Dose, y± to 1 fl. dr. ; 1. to 4. c.c] 



4O4 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Action of Gelsemium. 

External. — None. 

Internal. — Gelsemium produces no effect on the stomach or 
intestines. Its powerful general physiological effects are due to 
the gelseminine in it. 

Brain. — In poisoning by gelsemium consciousness is main- 
tained till the end ; the drug, therefore, has no power on the 
higher cerebral centres. 

Spinal cord. —The most marked symptom produced by gelse- 
mium is paralysis of all the muscles of the body ; and by a 
series of experiments, like those used for strychnine, this can be 
shown to be due to depression of the activity of the ante- 
rior cornua of the spinal cord. This is said to be followed by 
a depression of the sensory part of the cord, with consequent 
anaesthesia. The motor nerves are quite unaffected till just 
before death, when the end-plates are paralyzed. The result of 
the action on the cord is that the patient may be unable to walk, 
or, if he can, the gait is staggering ; his general sensibility is 
much impaired. Convulsions may be produced. The cause of 
these cannot be made out, for they appear to be neither cerebral, 
spinal, nor peripheral. 

Eye. — Gelsemium soon causes disturbance of vision, then 
follows diplopia, due to paralysis of the ocular muscles, 
and from the same cause the upper lid drops. The pupil is 
dilated. All these symptoms are probably owing to the paralysis 
of the motor centres in the floor of the fourth ventricle and the 
aqueduct of Sylvius, for these are the continuation upwards of 
the anterior cornua. 

Circulation. — The action of moderate doses is not marked. 
Toxic doses are powerfully depressant ; the force and rate of the 
pulse and the blood-pressure fall. This is owing to a direct ac- 
tion on the ends of the vagus. How far these effects are due 
also to affection of the medullary and spinal centres is not 
known. 

Respiration. — Soon after the administration of gelsemium the 
respiration becomes slower and more feeble • ultimately it stops, 
death taking place by asphyxia. This is due to paralysis of 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 405 

the respiratory centres in the cord and medulla. Before death 
the temperature falls, and the skin is bathed in a cold sweat. 

Therapeutics of Gelsemium. 

Gelsemium was formerly given [as a circulatory depressant, 
but it is not now used, as its other effects are so harmful. Nor 
is it any longer prescribed for convulsive diseases, as tetanus, 
whooping-cough, chorea, etc., as it was not found to do any 
good. It is often successfully used for neuralgia and migraine ; 
how it acts is quite uncertain.] A good combination for neuralgia 
and migraine is gelsemine hydrochlorate ^£0 g r - D 000 3 gm.] with 
butyl chloral hydrate, 3 gr. [.20 gm.] made into a pill with mu- 
cilage, and given every two hours until pain is relieved. Some- 
times it is employed to dilate the pupil and paralyze accommo- 
dation. It will do this when applied locally, for it is quickly 
absorbed from the eye. [It has the advantage that its influence 
passes off rapidly.] Discs [of gelatin], each containing ^0 g r - 
[.00013 gm.] gelsemine (not official), are made for application 
to the eye. 

Class III.— DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE NERVES. 

[A. The following depress the motor nerves.] 

CONIUM. 

CONIUM. — Synonym. — [Spotted Hemlock. The full grown fruit of 
Conium Maculatum, Linne (nat. ord. Umbelliferce), gathered while yet green. 
Habitat, — Europe and Asia ; naturalized in North America. 

Characters. — About 3 mm. long ; broadly ovate, laterally compressed ; 
grayish-green ; often divided into the two mericarps, each with five crenate 
ribs, without oil-tubes, and containing a seed which is grooved on the face ; 
odor and taste slight.] Resembling conium fruit. — Caraway, anise, dill, all 
known by having vittse [oil-tubes]. 

Composition. — [The chief constituents are — (1) Coniine, C 8 H 17 N, the 
active principle ; a colorless, oily, volatile alkaloid, of a disagreeable odor 
and acrid taste.] Solubility. — In 100 parts of water. It is easily obtained 
from the plant by distillation with alkalies. It is readily decomposed by light 
and heat, and the preparations of Conium are therefore of very varying 
strengths. Its salts are much more stable. (2) Methyl- coniine ; C 8 ft 19 CN. A 



406 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

colorless, liquid alkaloid. (3) Conkydrine, a nearly inert crystallizable alka- 
loid. 

Incompatibles. — Caustic alkalies, vegetable acids and astringents. 

Dose, 2 to 5 gr. ; [.12 to .30 gm.] 

Preparations. 

1. [Extractum Conii. — Extract of Coniutn. By maceration and 
percolation with Diluted Alcohol and Acetic Acid, and evaporation. 

Dose, )/ z to 1 gr. ; .02 to .06 gm. 

2. Extractum Conii Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Conium. By 
maceration and percolation with Diluted Alcohol and Acetic Acid, and 
evaporation. 

Dose, 1 to 5 m. ; .12 to .30 c.c] 

Action of Conium. 

External. — Coniine probably has no influence on the un- 
broken skin, but it has been thought to be anaesthetic when ap- 
plied to painful broken surfaces. This is doubtful, for, in the 
first place, we have no proof that it can be absorbed from sores ; 
and, secondly, experiments show that large doses have to be given 
to depress the activity of sensory nerves. 

Internal. — Gastro-intestinal tract. — It has no special action 
here, but it may occasionally give rise to vomiting and diarrhoea. 

Circulation. — Coniine is absorbed into the blood, and circu- 
lates unchanged. Probably it paralyzes the terminations of the 
vagus and so increases the rapidity of the cardiac beat. The 
heart beats long after breathing has ceased. 

Respiration. — Owing to the profound paralysis of all motor 
nerves, and the later depression of the respiratory centre and 
motor part of the cord, death takes place from enfeeblement of 
respiration and consequent asphyxia. 

Nervous system. — Nerves. — Coniine powerfully depresses 
all the motor nerves. This depression begins at the periph- 
ery, and gradually ascends till the whole nerve, up to the spinal 
cord, is incapable of responding to stimuli. This leads to paral- 
ysis of all the muscles of the body so far as voluntary and reflex 
motion is concerned, but they themselves are unaffected, retain- 
ing their irritability to local stimuli. The sensory nerves are not 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 407 

implicated unless the dose is very large ; then their conducting 
power is slightly impaired. The effects on nerves are well illus- 
trated in the death of Socrates, for he was directed to walk about 
until his legs felt heavy (motor paralysis), and later, when his 
foot was pressed he could not feel. 

Spinal cord. — This remains uninfluenced till quite late ; then, 
if poisonous doses have been given, the function of its motor 
cornua is feebly depressed, as is also that of the respiratory centre 
in the medulla. These actions are probably due to the methyl- 
coniine. As the amount of this is variable in the different spec- 
imens, the exact period at which these effects come on varies 
with different preparations. In some animals asphyxial convul- 
sions are very marked. 

Brain. — Except for the respiratory centre the whole of the 
brain is unaffected by coniine. Consciousness is preserved until 
the stage of asphyxia. 

Eye. — Coniine, when dropped into the eye, causes immediate 
contraction of the pupil reflexly from the conjunctival irritation. 
But soon the pupil dilates, and accommodation is paralyzed; 
the same usually happens when the drug is given internally. 
Probably these results are owing to paralysis of the terminal por- 
tions of the third nerve, for well-marked ptosis, which is due 
to this cause, is present. 

Coniine is excreted unchanged, chiefly in the urine. 

Therapeutics of Conium. 

External. — Conium has been applied to painful ulcers and 
sores, but it is, for the reasons already given, doubtful whether 
it produces any good effect. It has also been employed for 
myalgia and rheumatism, but it is quite useless. 

Internal. — Conium is rarely given as a medicine, for (a) the 
amount of coniine extracted by any preparation is very variable ; 
(£) the amount in the same part of different plants is incon- 
stant ; (7) the amount of methyl-coniine present is also very un- 
certain ; (a 7 ) coniine is very volatile ; (<?) it is unstable, light 
and air making it inert. For these reasons it is probable that 



408 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

often the pharmacopoeial preparations contain no coniine at all. 
Ounces of the succus [B. P., which is the expressed juice of the 
leaves and young branches, to which 25 per cent, of alcohol has 
been added], and which is believed to be the most reliable 
preparation, have frequently been swallowed without producing 
any effects. The preparations of the fruit are said by some to be 
more reliable than those of the leaves. Conium has been given 
in spasmodic diseases, as whooping-cough, in chorea, tetanus, 
asthma, and epilepsy, but in all it does little or no good. 

Toxicology. 

Symptoms. — The symptoms produced by a poisonous dose are in strict ac- 
cordance with the physiological action. The sufferer feels his legs to be 
heavy ; on attempting to walk he staggers, and finds he can hardly move them, 
and finally he has to lie down because he has no power over them. The arms 
become powerless, and lie motionless at his side. There is ptosis, and dim- 
ness of vision from paralysis of accommodation ; the eyes are fixed, the pupil 
is dilated. Swallowing becomes difficult. Respiration is labored, the voice 
is lost, and death takes place from asphyxia. Post-mortem. — The organs are 
found congested with venous blood. 

Treatment. — Emetics (see p. 139), and wash out the stomach. Give tan- 
nic acid and again wash it out. Stimulants subcutaneously, warmth to the 
feet, and artificial respiration [are necessary]. " 

TABACUM. 

[TOBACCO. — The commercial dried leaves of Nicotiana Tabacum (nat. 
ord. Solanacece). Habitat. — Tropical America ; cultivated. 

Characters. — Up to 50 cm. long, oval or ovate-lanceolate, acute, entire, 
brown, friable, glandular-hairy, of a heavy, peculiar odor, and a nauseous, 
bitter, and acrid taste.] 

Composition. — The chief constituent is — (1) Nicotine, [C 10 H 14 N 2 (o.7 to 
5, sometimes 11 per cent.)]. A colorless, volatile, oily alkaloid, smelling and 
tasting like Tobacco leaves, darkening with age. Solubility. — Soluble in 
water, more so in Alcohol and Ether. Turkish Tobacco contains hardly any. 
(2) Nicotianine. (3) Salts and flavoring agents. 

[Nicotine is decomposed by heat, consequently Tobacco smoke contains 
none (Binz), but consists of small quantities of various Pyridine compounds, as 
Pyridine C 5 H 5 N, Picoline C 6 H 7 N, Lutidine C 7 H 9 N, Collidine C 8 H n N, 
Parvoline C 9 H 13 N, Coridine C 10 H 15 N, Rubidine C n H n N, and small amounts 
of Hydrocyanic and Acetic Acids, Creosote, Sulphur, and Carbon com- 
pounds. ] 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 409 

Action of Tobacco. 

Tobacco leaves, when taken internally, act entirely by virtue 
of their nicotine, which is one of the most powerful and 
rapid poisons known. 

External. — Nicotine is an antiseptic. 

Internal. — G astro-intestinal tract. — Nicotine in even minute 
doses (^ gr. [.009 gm.]) promptly produces greatly increased 
salivary flow, burning pain in the mouth, oesophagus and stomach, 
horrible nausea, quickly succeeded — owing to its action on the 
gastro-intestinal muscle — by vomiting and free purging. The 
marked characteristic of this gastro-intestinal irritation is the 
extreme collapse which accompanies it. Thus there is a 
rapid, very feeble pulse, intense muscular weakness, labored 
respiration, partial loss of consciousness, occasional convulsions, 
icy extremities, and profound general collapse. A dose of nico- 
tine has been known to kill in three minutes, but in both man 
and animals a certain tolerance may be acquired. 

Circulation. — Nicotine disintegrates the red blood-corpuscles 
of freshly-drawn blood, but has not this effect upon living blood, 
although the spectrum of haemoglobin is altered, so that the 
corpuscles must be in some way affected. The action on the 
heart is obscure • the muscle itself is unaffected, but the rapid- 
running, feeble pulse shows that some part of the cardiac appa- 
ratus is powerfully influenced. The blood-pressure falls rapidly ; 
this is not entirely due to the action of nicotine on the heart, 
but is in part due to its peripheral action on the vessels. 

Respiration. — This is at first accelerated and deepened ; ulti- 
mately it is paralyzed from depression of the centre. Death is 
partly due to asphyxia. 

. Nervous system. — The higher faculties are depressed by large 
doses of nicotine, for those poisoned by it become comatose 
within even a minute or two of taking a large dose. The con- 
vulsions occasionally observed in man, and always in the frog, 
are due to spinal stimulation. All observers are agreed that ulti- 
mately the function of the motor nerves is entirely 
abolished. This explains the intense muscular weakness. 
Probably the sensory nerves, and certainly the muscles, escape. 



41 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Eye. — A toxic dose taken internally, or the local application 
of nicotine to the eye, contracts the pupil of man and most 
animals. This will occur in excised eyes, and is therefore a local 
effect. With some animals nicotine is a mydriatic. We know 
nothing of the details of its action. 

Secretion. — Nicotine first stimulates but ultimately paralyzes 
the secretory structures of the salivary, sweat and lachrymal 
glands. 

Elimination. — Nicotine is eliminated partly by the lungs, but 
chiefly in the urine, the secretion of which it increases. 

Therapeutics of Tobacco. 

Tobacco is never used therapeutically. [In non-smokers it is 
useful to relieve the symptom asthma.] Formerly it was em- 
ployed in the form of an enema of leaves to relax muscular 
spasm, so as to facilitate the reduction of dislocations. This 
enema was also sometimes given as a purgative. [Pyridine which 
is found in tobacco, but commercially is obtained from other 
sources, when administered by inhalation will frequently relieve 
the paroxysms of asthma. For this purpose a fluid drachm ; 
4. c.c, is necessary, placed in a dish, so that it may slowly 
evaporate. Its persistent and abominable odor is a great obstacle 
to its use.] 

Tobacco smoking, in those who are unaccustomed to it, pro- 
duces, to a greater or less degree, the symptoms of gastrointes- 
tinal irritation and collapse just mentioned. Even in those who 
are used to it the smoke may produce catarrh of the pharynx. 
Some persons find smoking after breakfast assists the daily action 
of the bowels. With many people it has an obscure effect, espe- 
cially among those who lead sedentary lives, in stimulating the 
brain and producing a peaceable, calm state of mind. Over- 
indulgence in it may lead to loss of appetite, irregularity of the 
heart, chronic laryngeal and pharyngeal catarrh, and retrobulbar 
neuritis of the optic nerve. The effect of this is that the sufferer 
complains that objects look misty, he has a central scotoma, 
sometimes complete, often only for red and green, and finally 
atrophy of his optic nerve. 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 4II 

[Toxicology. 

Symptoms. — The symptoms are those which we should expect from its 
physiological action. 

Treatment. — Tannic acid followed by emetics {see p. 139). Strychnine is 
the true physiological antidote. Alcohol and ammonia stimulate the heart. 
The recumbent position must be maintained. Artificial respiration may be 
necessary.] 

[B. The following depresses the motor end-plates.] 

[CURARA.] 

CURARE. (Not official.) — Synonyms. — Wourara. Ourari. Urari. 
Wourali. The South American arrow poison, prepared from species of Strych- 
nos and other plants. 

Characters. — A blackish-brown, dry extract, [brittle or hygroscopic, with 
a bitter taste. Solubility. — Almost completely in diluted Alcohol.] 

Composition. — It contains an extremely active poison, Curarina or Cura- 
rine, [C 18 H 35 N,] a yellowish-brown powder intensely bitter. 

Dose, Jj to y 2 gr. ; [.0025 to .03 gm.] 

The British Pharmaceutical Conference [proposes for hypodermatic injec- 
tion of Curara :] — Curare, I ; add distilled water to form a thin paste. Putin 
a funnel plugged with absorbent wool, and gradually add more water until 12 
parts are obtained. Of this the dose is I to 6 m. ; [.06 to .25 c.c] 

Lamellae or discs, each containing Jq g r - ; \_- 00 ^> g m -] are a ^ so prepared. 
They are dissolved in a few drops of water before injection subcutaneously. 

Action and Therapeutics of Curare. 

The physiological action of curare, by which it paralyzes the 
end plates of the motor nerves of voluntary muscles, is well 
known. It has been given successfully in tetanus, and is pro- 
bably the most useful of all the drugs employed for this very 
fatal disease. 

[C. The following depress the sensory nerves.] 

COCA. 

COCA. — \_Synonyms. — Erythroxylon. Cuca. The leaves of Erythroxy- 
lon Coca, Lamarck (nat. ord. Line<z). Habitat. — Peru and Bolivia ; culti- 
vated. 

Characters. — Varying between ovate, lanceolate, and obovate-oblong, 
and from 2 to 5 or 7 cm. in length ; short-petiolate, entire, rather obtuse or 
emarginate at the apex, slightly reticulate on both sides, with a prominent mid- 



412 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

rib, and on each side of it a curved line running from base to apex ; odor slight 
and tea-like ; taste somewhat aromatic and bitter. When chewed, it tempo- 
rarily benumbs the lips and tongue. ] 

Composition. — It contains at least three alkaloids, viz., (i) Cocaine, which 
is methyl benzoyl ecgonine, 0.2 per cent. ; (2) Cocamine or isatrophyl cocaine ; 
(3) Cinnamylcocaine. Also (4) Coca-tannic acid and (5) Coca- wax. Differ- 
ent specimens vary very much in strength of Cocaine. Fresh specimens are 
stronger than those that have been kept. 

Incompatikles. — Mineral acids (decompose cocaine into benzoic acid and 
ecgonine), sodium bromide, menthol, mercury salts and silver nitrate. 

[Dose, 1 to 4 dr. ; 4. to 15. gm. of the leaves infused in hot water.] 

Preparation. 

Extractum Cocae [Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Coca. By ma- 
ceration and percolation with Diluted Alcohol, and evaporation. 
Dose, 1 to 4 fl. dr. ; 4. to 15. c.c] 

COCAINE HYDROCHLORAS.— Cocaine Hydrochlorate. C 17 H 21 
N0 4 HC1 [=338.71. The hydrochlorate of an Alkaloid obtained from Coca. 

Source. — Agitate with Ether an aqueous solution of an acidulated Alco- 
holic extract, make alkaline with Sodium Carbonate ; separate and evaporate 
the Ethereal liquid ; purify by repetition ; decolorize, neutralize with Hydro- 
chloric Acid, and re-crystallize. 

Characters. — Colorless, transparent crystals, or a white, crystalline pow- 
der, without odor ; of a saline, slightly bitter taste, and producing upon the 
tongue a tingling sensation followed by numbness of some minutes' duration. 
Permanent in the air. Solubility. — In 0.48 part of water, and in 3.5 parts of 
Alcohol ; also soluble in 2800 parts of Ether, or in 17 parts of Chloroform. 

Dose, y% to 2 gr. ; .008 to .12 gm.] 

Action of Coca. 

External. — Cocaine has little action on the unbroken skin, 
but if injected subcutaneously or applied to mucous membranes 
— as, for example, those of the eye, nose, mouth, rectum, vagina 
— it produces complete local anaesthesia to pain, touch, 
heat and cold, so that small operations can be performed without 
the patient feeling them. A 5 to 10 per cent, solution of the 
hydrochlorate is strong enough thus to paralyze the sensory 
nerves. Much larger doses must be applied to motor nerves to 
paralyze them. 

Internal. — Gastro-intestinal tract. — Applied to the nose and 
tongue cocaine abolishes smell and taste respectively, and when it 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 413 

is taken internally, the gastric mucous membrane experiences its 
anaesthetic influence. Therefore the sensation of hunger is dead- 
ened, and persons taking cocaine can go a long time without feeling 
the want of food ; but the drug is not a food, for the body rap- 
idly wastes. Because of its local anaesthetic effect it sometimes 
stops vomiting. Very large doses may lead to diarrhoea. 

Circulation. — Large doses depress the vagus, and therefore the 
pulse quickens, and as the vaso -motor centre is stimulated the 
blood-pressure rises ; larger doses slow the pulse from stimulation 
of the vagus. [Cocaine constricts the arterioles] . 

Respiration. — It acts upon the respiratory centre, first stimu- 
lating it, so that the rapidity and depth of respiration are in- 
creased ; but soon depression of the centre follows, the respira- 
tory movements become feeble, and death takes place from 
asphyxia. 

Nervous system. — Cerebrum. — Moderate doses greatly in- 
crease the bodily and mental power, and give a sense of 
calm and happiness, with abolition of bodily and mental fatigue. 
This greater physical energy renders possible the performance of 
long, exhausting muscular feats. For this, and for the extreme 
sense of peace produced, coca leaves mixed with clay or ashes 
are chewed by thousands of the inhabitants of Peru and the 
neighboring countries. It is said that forty million pounds of 
the leaves are annually harvested. A single large dose causes 
mental excitement, delirium and ataxia, with subsequent head- 
ache and depression. This ataxia is due to impairment of con- 
duction of sensory impressions from the effect of the cocaine on 
peripheral sensory nerves. An excessive indulgence in the habit 
of coca-chewing leads to indigestion, extreme emaciation, insom- 
nia and enfeeblement of intellect. In animals coca causes cere- 
bral convulsions. 

Eye. — When a solution of cocaine of about 4 per cent, is 
dropped into the eye local anaesthesia is produced, first of the 
conjunctiva and cornea, later of the iris. It is attained in about 
seven minutes, and lasts about the same time. At first there 
may be a transitory contraction of the pupil. This is probably 
due to reflex action, and soon gives way to -wide dilatation. 



414 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

The maximum is attained in an hour or two. The normal state 
is regained in from twelve to twenty-four hours. The dilated 
pupil is freely responsive to light, and the dilatation is rapidly 
overcome by physostigmine. The ocular tension is slightly 
lowered, and the palpebral aperture is widened. Accommoda- 
tion is partially, but never completely, paralyzed. These effects 
are chiefly due to irritation of the sympathetic, and as they 
are quickly produced by dropping the drug in the eye they are pro- 
bably local. All these effects are slowly produced if large doses 
of cocaine are taken internally. [Strong solutions or weak solu- 
tions frequently applied desiccate the corneal epithelium.] 

Muscles. — The amount of muscular work of which the body 
is capable is increased by cocaine, how, is not known. The 
excretion of urea and nitrogenous metabolism are unaltered. 

Temperature. — This may rise in cocaine poisoning. 

Kidneys. — Cocaine is most likely excreted by these organs. 
It diminishes sexual excitability. 

Therapeutics of Coca. 

External. — A 5 to 10 percent, solution of the hydrochlorate 
may be injected subcutaneously as a local anaesthetic when any 
small operation has to be performed. [In the infiltration method 
of Schleich three solutions are employed : cocaine hydrochlorate, 
0.2 (strong) j 0.1 (normal); or 0.01 (weak) ; morphine hydro- 
chlorate, 0.025 ; sodium chloride, 0.2 ; sterilized distilled water 
or saturated boric acid solution to 100. These are injected into 
the substance of the skin forming wheals. This method requires 
less of the drug than when used subcutaneously. Yet it should 
be borne in mind that the anaesthetic properties of the two weaker 
solutions depend largely upon the mechanical anaesthesia pro- 
duced by injection of water, which had been previously pointed 
out by Halsted.] Solutions, painted or dropped on, may be used 
for operations on the mouth, throat, teeth (4 per cent.), eye 
(1 to 4 per cent.), ear, vagina, urethra and rectum (4 to 10 per 
cent.), and they may be applied to any of these parts when they 
are very painful. [Congestive urethral stricture may be tem- 
porarily relieved by it so that instruments may be passed, but it 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 415 

should be used with great care in urethral operations.] Cocaine 
will relieve vaginal pruritus, and has been used locally applied 
in the nose in hay fever. Painful ulcers, fissures, etc. , are bene- 
ficially treated with it. Ointments, bougies, and suppositories, 
usually containing 2 to 5 per cent, of cocaine, which mixes 
better than the hydrochlorate, are very useful. A 15 per cent, 
solution has been injected into the gums for tooth extraction, but 
is not strongly recommended. [Ophthalmic surgeons] employ 
it very largely to produce local anaesthesia of the eye. [If inflam- 
mation is present anaesthesia is produced with great difficulty.] 

Internal. — Mouth. — A solution is useful for painting or 
spraying on the throat previous to laryngeal examinations. 
[Lozenges of the hydrochlorate, containing y 1 ^ gr. • .005 gm., 
in each, are valuable for painful sore throat. Often in addition 
each lozenge contains 3 gr. • .20 gm. of extract of krameria.] 

Stomach. — Cocaine in some cases allays excessive vomiting, 
and has been said to cure sea-sickness. 

It is not often used in Europe as a medicine for its restorative 
effects ; as already mentioned, it is not a food, and the good it 
does is only temporary. 

[Medullary A?icesthesia. — It has been recently proposed to 
obtain surgical anaesthesia by injection of from T V to J gr. ; .006 
to .012 gm., into the arachnoid space. Puncture is made be- 
tween third and fourth lumbar interspace of the spine with a 
specially prepared needle as for diagnostic purposes. A few 
drops of the spinal fluid is allowed to escape and the solution is 
injected. Anaesthesia supervenes, gradually extending from the 
feet upwards, and may reach to the chest or even higher ; this per- 
sists for a variable time, but generally sufficient for the perform- 
ance of surgical operations. This method of anaesthesia does 
not interfere with labor further than abolishing its pain. Strict 
asepsis must be observed. Although thus far no accidents have 
been recorded, it is by no means clear that it will supplant ether 
or chloroform narcosis, nor that it can be employed when con- 
tra-indications exist to either. Beyond some nausea, vomiting 
and headache, after-effects are not noticed. It is yet too early 
to formulate an opinion as to the practical value of this method.] 



41 6 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Toxicology. 

Symptoms. — It is a respiratory depressant ; but symptoms of poisoning have 
rarely been noticed unless the drug has been injected under the gums or skin. 
Then it may quickly cause vertigo, pallor, fainting, profound cardiac and res-, 
piratory depression with tremors and other nervous symptoms which may per- 
sist for months, even if the other symptoms are overcome. 

In the chronic forms, known as cocamania, the sufferer takes cocaine either 
for its pleasant effects or because he thinks it will help break himself from the 
morphine habit, or he takes it with morphine. It is usually administered sub- 
cutaneously. The pulse is rapid, and fainting is common. There is much 
wasting, and the patient looks pale and death-like. Usually he suffers from 
insomnia, and he may become acutely maniacal with delusions of persecution. 
Visual and other hallucinations are often present, and it is very characteristic 
that patients complain of little animals creeping on the skin, "cocaine bugs," 
they say. They are extraordinarily prolix in both conversation and writing. 
[Cocaine habitu'es are by no means infrequently met with. The moral degrada- 
tion is fully equal to that of opium-eaters. 

Treatment. — This should consist in stimulation, and emptying the stomach, 
if the drug has been ingested, by means of hypodermatic injections of apomor- 
phine. Artificial respiration may be required. Since cocaine asphyxiates by 
constricting the blood-vessels at the base of the brain, strychnine hypodermatic- 
ally or alcohol may remove this danger. 

For the chronic forms confinement in an asylum, with careful treatment 
during the period of severance, is essential. 

OUABAINUM. 

OUABAIN. (Not official.)— C 30 H 46 O ]2 — 569.62. A glucoside isolated 
from the root of a tree, said to be the Acocanthera Ouabaio (nat. ord. Apocy- 
nacece. ) This glucoside is also obtained from the seeds of Strophanthus glabrus. 
Habitat. — Africa. 

Characters. — A white crystalline powder slightly bitter. Solubility. — 
Soluble in hot, but with difficulty in cold water ; insoluble in Chloroform and 
Ether. 

Dose, ^gr.; .00013 gm. 

Action and Uses of Ouabain. 
Ouabain paralyzes cardiac muscle by direct action, and when 
given hypodermatically is an emetic. According to Gley it is a 
local anaesthetic, having ten times the power of cocaine. It has 
also been recommended for all stages of whooping-cough in doses 
°f toW & r - '> ' 000 °6 g m <> for children. As it is a very powerful 
drug, ^ gr. ; .001 gm., when taken into the blood, being suf- 
ficient to kill a man, it should be used with great caution. 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 417 

D. The following stimulates the secretory nerves.] 

PILOCARPUS. 

PILOCARPUS. — Synonym. — Jaborandi. [The leaflets of Pilocarpus 
Selloanus Engler (Rio Janeiro Jaborandi), and of Pilocarpus Jaborandi 
Holmes (Pernambuco Jaborandi), (nat. ord. Rutacece). Habitat. — Brazil, near 
Pernambuco. 

Characters. — About 10 to 15 cm. long, and 4 to 6 cm. broad, short- 
stalked, oval or ovate-oblong, entire and slightly revolute at the margin, obtuse 
and emarginate, unequal at the base ; dull green, coriaceous, pellucid punc- 
tate, mostly smooth ; when bruised, slightly aromatic ; taste somewhat bitter 
and pungent.] 

Impurities. — Leaves of species of Piper, not oval-oblong. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) A liquid, colorless, alka- 
loid, Pilocarpine, C n H 16 N 2 2 , ^ to * P er cent - ( 2 ) Jaborine, C 22 H 32 N 4 4 , 
an alkaloid resembling in its physiological action Atropine, and therefore 
antagonistic to Pilocarpine. (3) [Pilocarpidine, C 10 H u N 2 O 2 , a decomposition 
product whose action is weaker than Pilocarpine.] (4) A volatile oil [chiefly 
Pilocarpene, C 10 H 16 ]. (5) A peculiar acid. These active principles are solu- 
ble in Alcohol, but only imperfectly so in water. 

Dose, 5 to 60 gr. ; [.30 to 4.00 gm.] 

Preparation. 

Extractum [Pilocarpi Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Pilocarpus. 
By maceration and percolation with Diluted Alcohol and evaporation. 
Dose, 5 to 60 m. ; .30 to 4.00 c.c] 

PILOCARPINE [HYDROCHLORAS.— Pilocarpine Hydrochlo- 
rate. C n H 16 N 2 2 HCl=243.98. The hydrochlorate of an Alkaloid obtained 
from Pilocarpus. 

Source. — Obtained by exhausting Pilocarpus with Alcohol acidulated 
with Hydrochloric Acid, distillation and evaporation. The filtrate is treated 
with a slight excess of Ammonia, and a large quantity of Chloroform. The 
solution is agitated with water, to which Hydrochloric Acid is added to neu- 
tralization. The Hydrochlorate is obtained on evaporation in crystals which 
are purified by re- crystallization. 

Characters. — Small, white crystals, odorless, and having a faintly bitter 
taste ; deliquescent on exposure to damp air. Solubility. — Very soluble in 
water and in Alcohol ; almost insoluble in Ether or Chloroform. 

Dose, l /% to }/$ gr. ; .008 to .02 gm.] 

Action of Pilocarpus. 
External. — None. 

Internal. — Gastro- intestinal tract.- — Pilocarpine is very 
quickly absorbed, and soon produces a great increase in the 

27 



41 8 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

amount of salivary secretion. The mouth seems warm, 
and there may be a feeling of tenseness about the salivary glands. 
The saliva contains an abundance of salts and ptyalin, and can 
convert starch into sugar. Its increase is due to a direct stimu- 
lation of the terminal filaments of the chorda tympani and of the 
other nerves which end in the cells of the salivary glands, so 
that stimulation of these nerves can add very little to the flow 
produced by the drug — in fact, not more than can be accounted 
for by vascular alterations. This action is antagonized immedi- 
ately by atropine, as that paralyzes the endings of these nerves. 
To a slight extent pilocarpine excites the secretion of the gastric 
juice, intestinal fluid, and pancreatic secretion. The unstriped 
muscle of the stomach and intestine is stimulated, and thus the 
drug may purge. The bile is unaffected. Large doses, especially 
of [pilocarpus] , may produce vomiting. 

Circulation. — Pilocarpine has no effect on the blood, but it is 
a cardiac depressant. The pulse-rate, it is true, may be, and 
in the human being always is, a little accelerated at first, but 
soon both it and the blood-pressure fall. This slowing of the 
pulse is at once set aside by atropine, but is not prevented by 
section of the vagus, therefore pilocarpine acts on the heart itself, 
probably stimulating the terminations of the vagus. The blood- 
vessels are at first dilated. 

Respiration. — The drug has no effect on this. The amount 
of bronchial secretion is increased. 

Skin. — [Pilocarpus], through its alkaloid pilocarpine, produces 
a very profuse secretion of sweat. It is the most powerful 
diaphoretic drug we have. A single dose may cause the flow of 
fifteen fluid ounces [450. c.c] of sweat. It is said that the pro- 
portion of urea and chlorides in the sweat is greatly increased. 
This profuse diaphoresis is due to the action of the pilocarpine on 
the cells of the sweat-glands, or the terminations of the nerves in 
them, and is stopped by atropine. The skin may flush, but this is 
not the cause of the diaphoresis. Under a course of [pilocarpus] 
the hair grows more actively, but it becomes very coarse and dark. 

Kidneys. — If the sweating is profuse, the secretion of urine is 
lessened. Pilocarpine is excreted unchanged in the urine. 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 4I9 

Temperature. — There may be a slight rise at first, but soon 
the temperature falls considerably. This is probably due in 
large part to the evaporation of the perspiration. 

Eye. — Whether applied locally to the eye or given internally, 
pilocarpine produces great contraction of the pupil, due to 
stimulation of the ends of the third nerve in the eye, and this is 
antagonized by atropine. It also causes increased tension of the 
eye-ball, and an approximation of the nearest and farthest points 
of distinct vision. 

Other actions. — It stimulates the uterus, and has in very rare 
cases produced abortion. It increases the secretion of milk, of 
tears, of nasal mucus, and, according to some authors, that of 
cerumen. It causes the spleen and bladder to contract. 

It will be noticed that it has two main actions, (i) It stimu- 
lates the secretions — viz., those of the salivary glands, stomach, 
intestines, skin, kidney, bronchial mucous membrane, nose, 
lachrymal glands and ear. In those that have been investigated, 
and probably in all, it acts locally. It has not been decided in 
every case whether the cells of the glands or the nerve termina- 
tions in them are affected. (2) It stimulates the nerve termina- 
tions ofinvoluntary muscles — viz., in the eye, the intestines, the 
stomach, the uterus, the spleen, the heart, the bladder, and it acts 
on the muscular coat of the vessels, although these, if affected, 
are usually dilated. The most important effects are the diapho- 
resis, the salivation, and the myosis. It is consequently antago- 
nistic in its action to atropine. Children bear large doses of 
it well. Pilocarpine is much more used than [pilocarpus], as it 
is more prompt and more certain in its action, and is less likely 
to cause indigestion. 

Jaborine has an action similar to that of atropine ; the amount 
of it in [pilocarpus] varies, hence the varying effects of different 
specimens of the leaves, but there is never enough totally to 
counteract the pilocarpine. 

Therapeutics of Pilocarpus. 

External. — Pilocarpine has been used locally to promote 
the growth of hair. An ointment (Pilocarpine [hydrochlorate], 



420 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

i; soft petrolatum, 60; hydrous wool fat, 60,) or a lotion (Pilo- 
carpine [hydrochlorate] , 1 • quinine hydrochlorate, 4 ; glycerin, 
60; rose water, 180,) have been used. 

Internal. — Pilocarpine has been employed for many condi- 
tions, but its great use is as a diaphoretic in Bright' s disease. 
For this purpose yfc of a gr., [.01 gm.] or more of the [hydro- 
chlorate] is injected subcutaneously in the evening. The sweat- 
ing is aided by wrapping the patient, who should be naked, in 
several warm blankets, giving him hot drinks, and putting a hot 
water bottle to his feet. After the sweating has ceased, he 
should be dried and left in a dry blanket. As it is such a power- 
ful cardiac depressant, it must be given with great caution when 
the heart is diseased. Occasionally it is employed locally in 
affections of the eye. Patients suffering from deafness due to 
disease of the auditory nerve or its terminations are sometimes 
relieved by pilocarpine. [It is often given internally for deaf- 
ness due to otitis media sicca.] Injected subcutaneously, it has 
been given successfully as an antidote to belladonna poisoning. 



GROUP II. 

Vegetable Drugs whose main Action is on the Heart. 

Class I. — The Digitalis group, decreasing the frequency and increasing 
the force of the beat of the heart : 

Digitalis, Strophanthus, Convallaria, Squill, [Scoparius,] Erythroph- 
lceum, and [Adonidin]. 

Class II. — The Aconite group, decreasing the frequency and force of the 
beat of the heart : 

Aconite, [Veratrum Viride,] Veratrina. 

[Class III. — The Cactus group, increasing the frequency and force of the 
beat of the heart : 

Cactus Grandiflorus.] 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE HEART. 42 1 

Class I.— THE DIGITALIS GROUP. 

DIGITALIS. 

DIGITALIS. — {Synonym. — Foxglove. The leaves of Digitalis Pur- 
purea Linne (nat. ord. Scrophularinece), collected from plants of the 
second year's growth. Habitat. — Europe, in sandy soil and the edges of 
woods. 

Characters. — From 10 to 30 cm. long, ovate or ovate-oblong, narrowed 
into a petiole ; crenate ; dull green, densely and finely pubescent ; wrinkled 
above ; paler and recticulated beneath ; midrib near the base broad ; odor slight ; 
somewhat tea-like ; taste bitter, nauseous.] Resembling Digitalis leaves. — 
Matico leaves, which are more deeply reticulated. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Digitoxin, a glucoside, 
crystallizable, the most active principle, very poisonous, cumulative. ' Insolu- 
ble in water, sparingly in Ether, easily in Chloroform and Alcohol. Exists as 
minute white crystals. Dose -^^ to -gL gr. [.00025 to • 00125 gm.] (2) Digi- 
talin, a crystalline glucoside, possessing in a high degree the actions of Digi- 
talis. It is also called Digitalinum Verum. Soluble in water, I in 1000. 
Dose, 2^ to TlTo §?• [• 000 3 to •° 00 ^ g 111 -] subcutaneously. (3) Digitalein, an 
amorphous glucoside, not yet proved to be a definite chemical substance, sol- 
uble in water, and therefore suitable for hypodermatic injections; dose hypo- 
dermatically T i^ gr. ; .0006 gm., said to be non-cumulative. These three 
glucocides are said to represent the cardiac stimulating action of the drug, (4) 
Digitonin, [C 2T H 44 13 ] a glucoside closely allied both chemically and physio- 
logically to, and perhaps identical with, the Saponin of Senega (a. v.). [Dose, 
3¥o to Tiro g r - > -co 02 t0 .0006 gm.] This is a cardiac depressant, and is 
therefore antagonistic to the other active principles. (5) Digitin, a glucoside 
devoid of physiological action. All these five glucosides are non-nitrogenous. 
(6) Two acids, Digitalic and Antirrhinic. (7) Other usual constituents of 
plants, as tannic acid, volatile oil, coloring matter, starch, sugar, gum, salts. 
It will be noticed that Digitalis contains no Alkaloids. 

The following five substances, all soluble in alcohol, are met with in com- 
merce : (A) Homolle's Digitalin (same as Quevenne's), an amorphous yel- 
lowish-white powder or small scales, intensely bitter, inodorous, but irritating 
to the nostrils. [Soluble in 2000 parts of water.] Consists chiefly of Digi- 
talin with a little Digitoxin. Possesses the action of the leaves. Granules 
of it are much used in France ; each usually contains Jj g r> , .001 gm., which 
is equal to 1)4 g r - J - IO g m - of the powdered leaves. (B) Nativelle's Digi- 
talin, [C 25 H 40 O 15 , light, white, crystalline tufts of needles, very bitter. Solu- 
ble in Chloroform and in Alcohol, not in Water or Ether. It consists very 
largely of Digitoxin and is cumulative. Dose, -gV *° "sV g r - ; - 001 to - 002 g m - 
in a pill. (C) German Digitalinum Purum. Dose, g 1 ^ to -^ gr. [.001 to .002 
gm., soluble in water. Consisting chiefly of Digitalein, with some digitalin 



422 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

and digitonin. (D) Digitoxin, already described {see p. 421). (E) Digitalin. 
already described {see p. 421). [None of the above constituents are official.] 

Incompatibles. — Ferric salts, lead acetate, and cinchona. 

Dose, yi to 3 gr. ; [.03 to .20 gm.] 

Preparations. 

1. [Extractum Digitalis. — Extract of Digitalis. By maceration 
and percolation with Alcohol and Water, distillation of the Alcohol, 
and evaporation. 

Dose, ^ to 1 gr. ; .015 to .06 gm. 

2. Extractum Digitalis Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Digitalis. 
By maceration and percolation with Alcohol and Water, and evapora- 
tion. 

Dose, % to 3 m. ; .03 to .20 c.c. 

3. Infusum Digitalis. — Infusion of Digitalis. Digitalis, 15; 
Cinnamon W T ater, 150; boiling water, 260; Alcohol, 100; cold water 
to 1000. 

Dose, 1 to 4 fi. dr. ;] (note that it is drachms, not ounces) ; [4. to 
15. c.c] 

4. Tinctura Digitalis. — [Tincture of Digitalis. Digitalis, 150; 
Diluted Alcohol to 1000. By maceration and percolation. 

Dose, 5 to 30 m. ; .03 to 2.00 c.c] 

As the proportion of the many constituents varies in the preparations, some 
prefer always to give the powdered leaves. 

Action of Digitalis. 

External. — The leaves are slightly irritating, but it is doubt- 
ful whether any of their constituents can be absorbed by the skin. 

Internal. — Gastro-intestinal tract. — Digitalis is a mild 
gastro-intestinal irritant, and even moderate doses cause 
vomiting and diarrhoea in some people. 

Blood. — It is [not] rapidly absorbed ; it is not known to 
affect the blood. 

Heart. — The first action of digitalis is to slow the beat of 
the heart, the diastole is prolonged, the duration of the 
systole is not altered, but its force is greatly increased, so 
much so that after large doses the heart may, in animals, be seen 
to become pale, because almost every drop of blood is squeezed 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE HEART. 423 

out of it. The pulse is consequently increased in force, but re- 
tarded. If before the drug was given the heart was beating 
irregularly, it generally becomes regular. If the drug is taken 
internally, the whole of both ventricles is, in mammals, affected ; 
but in frogs one portion of the ventricle may remain spasmodic- 
ally contracted during the diastole of the rest of it. Finally 
the ventricles are, in frogs, arrested in systole, firmly contracted, 
quite pale, and unable to respond to any stimuli, but in mam- 
mals the heart finally stops in diastole. If locally applied to 
parts of the ventricle of the frog, only those parts to which the 
digitalis is applied are contracted ; this is not so in mammals. 
The auricles are in most animals slowed by it — but the force of 
their beat is not much altered. In all animals large doses cause 
great irregularity of the auricular beat. 

That these phenomena are chiefly due to the direct action 
of the drug on the cardiac muscle is shown by the fact that 
digitalis not only tonically contracts the frog's heart when ap- 
plied locally, but it will even increase the force of the contrac- 
tion, when applied to the isolated apex in which it is believed 
no nerves exist, and it acts on the embryonic heart of the chick 
before the nerves are developed. But the inhibitory activity of 
the cardiac peripheral end of the vagus is increased ; for a mild 
stimulation of the vagi, which, before the drug was given, had 
no effect, will after the drug is given, stop the heart, and in 
warm-blooded animals digitalis does not very markedly retard 
the pulse, if the vagi have been cut, although it increases the 
force of the cardiac beat. The vagus centre in the medulla is 
stimulated to a less extent. Cushing has shown that the vagal 
action, with most of the digitalis group of drugs, begins a little 
before the muscular. 

It has been proved that even small doses actually increase 
the amount of work done by the heart in a given time ; thus 
there is a greater output at each ventricular contraction. 

Vessels. — Moderate doses of digitalis produce a great rise 
in the blood-pressure. This is partly due to the greater 
cardiac force, but not entirely, for in the web of the frog's foot 
and the rabbit's mesentery the arterioles have been observed to 



424 A : ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

contract vigorously when digitalis has been given. As this still 
occurrs in arterioles quite separated from the body, and through 
which an artificial circulation of blood containing digitalis is 
carried on, it is clear that the drug contracts the arterioles by 
direct action on their muscular coat. But as the con- 
traction is greater in an intact animal than in one whose spinal 
cord is destroyed, or in whom the nerves going to the part experi- 
mented upon are divided, it is clear that digitalis also stimu- 
lates the medullary and spinal vaso-motor centres. With 
toxic doses the irritation of the centres and of the muscular coat 
of the arterioles passes on to depression, and the blood-pressure 
falls. 

Kidney. — The effect of digitalis on the kidney is very uncer- 
tain. Most experimenters have found that in health it is diuretic, 
but some have not, and the same discrepancy in its action on the 
kidney exists in patients with heart disease, but generally in these 
cases it is a diuretic. The reasons for these discrepancies are 
that if the arterial vessels are, like the rest of the vessels in the 
body, tightly contracted by the drug, very little blood will come 
to the kidney, and very little urine will be secreted ; but if the 
digitalis does not constrict the renal vessels markedly, the in- 
creased cardiac force and the general rise of blood -pressure will 
send more blood through the kidney and more urine will be ex- 
creted. Some observers have, probably incorrectly, stated that 
digitalin and digi toxin have a special effect in relaxing the ves- 
sels of the kidney. We have no certain knowledge of the effect 
of digitalis on the constitution of the urine. 

Temperature. — Moderate doses have no influence on the tem- 
perature, but toxic doses cause it to fail even in health. The 
reason of this is unknown. 

Respiration. — This is unaffected by digitalis unless poisonous 
doses have been given, when it begins to fail from the imperfect 
circulation through the respiratory mechanism. 

Nervous system and Muscles. — Medicinal doses have no 
marked influence. Large doses will, because of the alterations 
in the cerebral circulation, cause headache, giddiness, and dis- 
turbances of sight and hearing. In many cases cf poisoning all 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE HEART. 425 

objects have appeared blue. [In acute poisoning there is a 
peculiar blue color of the sclerotic] 

The reflex activity of the cord and motor nerves is depressed 
independently of the action on the circulation ; sensory nerves 
are unaffected. Digitalis directly paralyzes muscles if given in 
toxic doses. 

Uterus. — This organ is said to be stimulated to contract by 
digitalis. 

Therapeutics of Digitalis. 

External. — Digitalis is [sometimes] used externally [in the 
form of a poultice made from the leaves, and placed over the 
loins in case of renal congestion] . 

Internal. — It is one of the most valuable drugs we have. It 
is chiefly given in cases of cardiac disorder. 

Mitral regurgitation. — If in any case of this variety of heart 
disease the organ is beating feebly, irregularly, and rapidly, 
digitalis in moderate doses will probably strengthen, regulate, 
and slow the beat. It will cause the left ventricle to contract 
more forcibly and to act synchronously in all its parts ; hence 
the mitral flaps will be better approximated, the regurgitation 
will be less, and more blood will be sent on into the arterial cir- 
culation. The prolonged diastole will also be of great advan- 
tage, for it will allow more time for the blood to flow from the 
dilated auricle, and from the right side of the heart and venous 
system generally, into the left ventricle. In mitral regurgitation, 
as is well known, venous engorgement and oedema of the lungs, 
of the right side of the heart, of the liver, the kidneys, and sub- 
cutaneous tissues is very common. Digitalis, by improving the 
venous flow towards the heart, will ameliorate all these symptoms. 
It might be supposed that by constricting all the peripheral arte- 
rioles it would impede the arterial flow, because the heart will 
have to contract against a greater peripheral resistance, but this 
disadvantage is never enough seriously to hamper the increased 
cardiac power ; and it must be remembered that it is a great 
advantage to the circulation to have a proper peripheral arterial 
resistance, for without that, the elastic coat of the arteries cannot 
aid the arterial flow. If, as it usually does in these cases, digi- 



426 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

talis acts as a diuretic, this will be of great value in removing the 
oedema, and in causing the scanty high-colored urine to become 
pale and abundant. The improvement in the circulation relieves 
the cardiac pain and distress which so commonly accompany 
mitral regurgitation, the lividity passes off, the dyspnoea de- 
creases, and usually in a day or two a wonderful improvement in 
the patient's condition takes place. The more any case of mitral 
regurgitation deviates from the above [oedematous] type, the less 
good, as a rule, will digitalis do. Thus cases in which there is 
much pain and distress, and but little regurgitation, are not so 
often benefited, although even of such cases many are improved. 
Sometimes the vomiting caused by digitalis prohibits its use. 
Fatal syncope may occur in those taking digitalis if they are too 
suddenly raised from the prone to the upright posture. 

Mitral constriction. — In this condition it is obvious that it 
will be a great advantage to lengthen the diastole, for then there 
will be a greater chance that the diastole will be long enough to 
allow the normal amount of blood to pass through the constricted 
orifice. In proportion as this end is attained, the oedema, 
lividity, and other signs of backward venous congestion will be 
relieved, and if the digitalis induces diuresis, this is very valu- 
able in aiding the reduction of the oedema. 

Diseases of the tricuspid valve. — In both tricuspid constriction 
and tricuspid regurgitation, digitalis will be beneficial in the 
same way as in similar affections of the mitral valve. As a rule, 
however, it does less good when the disease is on the right side 
of the heart. 

Aortic regurgitation. — Often digitalis is harmful, for by pro- 
longing the diastole more time is allowed for the blood to flow 
back through the imperfectly closed aortic orifice, and hence 
there is great danger of fatal syncope. The drug should only be 
given in cases of aortic regurgitation, when the heart is very 
rapid, or when there is evidence that not much blood regurgi- 
tates, or when there are reasons, such as the coincident presence 
of aortic obstruction, for wishing to strengthen and regulate the 
contraction. The dose must be small and the effects must be 
carefully watched. 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE HEART. 427 

Aortic constriction. — This, unfortunately, is usually accom- 
panied by aortic regurgitation ; but sometimes when it is wished 
to increase the force of the beat, and so to drive more blood 
through the constricted aortic orifice, digitalis is useful, or when, 
as a result of the obstruction, mitral dilatation and consequent 
regurgitation, with much pulmonary and venous engorgement, 
have set in. Many cases of pure aortic obstruction do not re- 
quire drugs, for the heart hypertrophies sufficiently to overcome 
the obstruction. 

Bright 's disease. — In cases of contracted granular kidney in 
which the cardiac hypertrophy has been unable to overcome the 
peripheral resistance, and consequently the left ventricle and with 
it the auriculo -ventricular orifice has dilated, and mitral regurgi- 
tation has therefore ensued, digitalis may be of service for the 
reasons given elsewhere (seep. 425). A diuretic pill, often used 
for this condition, consists of [calomel] , digitalis, and squill a 
grain of each : [.06 gm.] made up with extract of [hyoscyamus]. 
Otherwise, in chronic Bright' s disease, digitalis is not a suitable 
diuretic, for it raises the tension of the pulse, which is already 
high. In the earlier stages of acute Bright' s disease it has been 
given as a diuretic, but it is questionable whether it is right to 
dilate the vessels of an acutely inflamed organ ; further, digitalis 
is always, unless the heart is diseased, an uncertain diuretic, and 
even in the early stage of acute Bright' s disease the arterial ten- 
sion is somewhat raised. In chronic tubal nephritis, uncompli- 
cated by cardiac disease, it is worse than useless, for it has no 
effect on the renal cells, and it raises the blood-pressure. 

Diseases of the cardiac muscle. — If the heart be fatty, or other- 
wise degenerated, digitalis rarely does good, for it is harmful for 
the diseased heart to have to work against the increased arterial 
tension, and it is said that there is danger of rupture of some 
of the degenerated fatty fibres. The weakly acting heart that 
is met with after pericarditis, typhoid fever, scarlet fever, rheu- 
matism, and other acute diseases, even if no valvular defects are 
present, is markedly strengthened by digitalis. For this purpose 
it may be combined with caffeine, or two drachms [8. c.c] of 
the infusion may be given, with three minims [.20 c.c] of 



428 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

stronger ammonia [water], in a little water. Each contraction 
is more efficient, and the prolonged diastole allows more time 
for the muscle to rest. It is clear that in the course of twenty- 
four hours this additional repose, although but little in each 
cycle, will amount to a considerable time. Many men who have 
practiced rowing or other hard exercise to excess, suffer from 
shortness of breath, and the apex of the heart is found to be a 
little outside the normal position, but there is no demonstrable 
valvular lesion. This condition, which also occurs in soldiers 
after a long campaign, is much benefited by digitalis. The 
dilatation of the right side of the heart that so frequently accom- 
panies chronic disease of the lungs may be, but usually is not, 
improved by digitalis. 

Functional diseases of the heart. — The irregular, palpitating 
beat, often seen apart from any organic disease, maybe benefited 
markedly by digitalis ; but it must be remembered that this con- 
dition is commonly a result of indigestion, in which case the 
right treatment is, if possible, to cure the dyspepsia, and if 
digitalis is given at all, to do so cautiously, for it may excite 
indigestion. The functional affections of the heart met with in 
highly neurotic subjects may be, but are not often, benefited by 
digitalis. 

Exophthalmic goitre may improve under a long course of 
digitalis • but generally this treatment fails. 

Haemorrhage. — Although digitalis contracts the arterioles, it 
is not often given as a haemostatic, for the increased blood-pres- 
sure may lead to greater haemorrhage, but it may be useful in the 
pulmonary haemorrhage due to disease of the mitral valve. 

Alcoholism. — Moderate doses of digitalis have been said to be 
serviceable in chronic alcoholism on account of their stimulating 
effect on the circulation. Enormous doses have been given em- 
pirically in delirium tremens, but generally without any good 
result. 

Uterus. — Because of its power to contract the uterus, digitalis 
may be useful in menorrhagia. 

[Digitalis is said to be useless if the patient suffers from high 
fever. ] 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE HEART. 429 

It is often desirable to combine fluid preparations of digitalis 
with iron salts, the resulting mixture, which is usually inky from 
the action of the iron on the tannic acid in the digitalis, can be 
clarified by the addition of a little diluted [phosphoric] acid. 
Because of this difficulty the powdered digitalis leaves are often 
made into a pill with dried [ferrous] sulphate. 

Antagonism. 

Antagonism between Digitalis and Aconite. — Aconite is a cardiac poison, 
weakening instead of strengthening the beat ; it dilates the peripheral vessels, 
it lowers the blood-pressure, and after death the heart is always found in a 
condition of diastole. In all these points it is antagonistic to digitalis, but the 
action of aconite is very rapid, that of digitalis very slow. Therefore these 
drugs are not practical antidotes to each other in poisoning. [Saponin and 
senegin are considered to be the most complete physiological antidotes.] 

Digitalis is cumulative. Patients who have taken it for a long while 
sometimes suddenly show symptoms of poisoning without any increase in the 
dose. This is because the drug is not excreted by the kidneys so fast as it is 
absorbed, therefore it accumulates in the body. [Digitalis should be stopped 
so soon as symptoms of gastro-intestinal irritation supervene, or the pulse be- 
comes abnormally slow.] 

STROPHANTHUS. 

STROPHANTHUS.— [The seed of Strophantus hispidus De Can- 
dolle (nat. ord. Apocynacece), deprived of its long awn. Habitat. — Tropical 
Africa. 

Characters. — About 15 mm. long and 4 or 5 mm. broad, oblong-lance- 
olate, flattened and obtusely edged, grayish-green, covered with appressed, 
silky hairs, one side with a ridge extending into the attenuated, pointed end ; 
kernel white and oily, consisting of a straight embryo, having two thin cotyle- 
dons, and surrounded by a thin layer of perisperm ; nearly inodorous ; taste 
very bitter. ] 

Composition.— The chief constituents are— (1) Strophanthin, [C 31 H 48 12 ]. 
It exists in all parts of the plant, but mostly in the seeds (8 to 10 per cent.). 
This is in all probability the same as, or closely allied to, the active principle 
Ouabain [see p. 416] which has been isolated from [another species of] Stro- 
phanthus. It is a transparent, white, imperfectly crystalline, bitter glucoside, 
(being split up by acids into glucose and Strophanthidin). [Very] soluble in 
water; insoluble in Chloroform and Ether. [Strophanthine according to 
recent investigation, can be isolated from Strophanthns ICombe, and many 
other species of Strophanthus. (2) Kombic Acid, which is not identical in all 
varieties of Strophantus, (3) Ineine, an Alkaloid. (4) Tanghinin, C 27 H i0 O 8 . 
in rhombic prisms. 



430 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Pi-eparation. 

Tinctura Strophanthi. — Tincture of Strophanthus. Strophan- 
thus, 50. By digestion and percolation with Alcohol and Water to 
1000. 

Dose, 2 to 10 m. ; .12 to .60 c.c. 

Tincture of Strophanthus Kombe, from which the oil has been extracted 
and made from assayed material, is far more reliable. Of this the maximum 
dose is 5 m. ; .30 c.c] 

Action of Strophanthus. 

External. — None. 

Internal. — Gastro-intestinal tract. — Like digitalis, strophan- 
thus is liable to cause vomiting and diarrhoea, especially if 
the dose be large. [Generally these disturbances result from 
preparations from which the volatile oil contained in the seeds has 
not been extracted.] In small doses its bitter action may come 
into play, and then it will aid digestion like any other bitter 
stomachic. 

Heart. — Strophanthus acts on the heart exactly like digi- 
talis, for it strengthens the force without altering the duration 
of the systole, slows the rate of the beat, and consequently pro- 
longs the diastole, and makes an irregular heart regular. In fatal 
cases of poisoning by strophanthus, the heart may be arrested 
either in diastole or systole. The details of its cardiac action are 
the same as those of digitalis. 

Vessels. — It does not constrict the peripheral vessels, 
or at any rate very slightly ; therefore, the slow rise of blood - 
pressure is almost entirely due to the action of the drug on the 
heart. This is the most important difference between it and 
digitalis, which contracts the vessels powerfully and consequently 
gives a greater rise of blood-pressure, [and is the reason for the 
greater safety of the former.] 

Kidneys. — It is diuretic, [more] powerfully than digitalis. 
Probably the diuresis is entirely due to the increased cardiac 
action. No special alteration in the size of the renal vessels takes 
place under strophanthus. 

Nervous system. — This is not affected. In toxic doses it is 



DRUGS ACTING CHiEFLY ON THE HEART. 43 1 

a direct poison to the voluntary muscles. Strophanthin is a 
powerful local anaesthetic when dropped on the conjunctivae [of 
dogs]. 

Respiration. — No particular effect is produced. The African 
Kombe arrow poison is made from strophanthus. 

Therapeutics of Strophanthus. 

Strophanthus is used in the same varieties of cardiac disease as 
digitalis ; that is to say, when it is desirable to slow the heart, to 
increase its force, to make it regular, and to prolong the diastole. 
It is clear, therefore, that it will be chiefly valuable in cases of 
mitral disease. A priori, it might be thought that as strophanthus 
does not contract the peripheral vessels and so increase the car- 
diac resistance, consequently it would be the more useful drug, 
[and] experience has confirmed this [for certain cases] ; it will 
generally happen that strophanthus will not produce vomiting 
when digitalis does. [The advantages which strophanthus possesses 
over digitalis may be summed up as (1) greater rapidity, modi- 
fying pulse rate within an hour ; (2) absence of vaso-constrictor 
effects ; (3) greater diuretic powers ; (4) no disturbance of diges- 
tion from properly made preparations ; (5) absence of so-called 
cumulation ; (6) greater value in children ; and (7) greater safety 
in the aged. 

It should be the remedy of choice in all cases, ( 1 ) in which 
we wish to establish compensation • ( 2 ) of arterial degeneration 
in which a remedy which causes more energetic cardiac contrac- 
tion is required ; (3) of cardiac disease when a diuretic is neces- 
sary ; (4) of weak or irritable hearts; (5) of cardiac disease in 
childhood or old age.] Strophanthus is preferable to digitalis 
when it is wished to give one of these drugs in Bright's disease. 

CONVALLARIA. 

CONVALLARIA. — [The rhizome and roots of Convallaria majalis 
Linne (nat. ord. Liliacece). Synonym. — Lily of the Valley. Habitat. — 
United States, in the Allegheny Mountains ; Europe and Northern Asia. 

Characters. — Of horizontal growth and somewhat branched, about 3 
mm. thick, cylindrical, wrinkled, whitish, marked with few circular scars ; at 
the annulate joint are about eight or ten, long, thin roots ; fracture somewhat 



43 2 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

fibrous, white ; odor peculiar, pleasant ; taste sweetish, bitter, and somewhat 
acrid. ] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (i) Convallamarin, [C^H^ 
24 ], a glucoside the active principle] [a white, bitter-sweet powder, soluble 
in water and Alcohol. (2) Convallarin, C 34 H 31 O u , a glucoside, in acrid 
prisms, sparingly soluble in, but foaming with water, soluble in Alcohol, but 
not in Ether.] This is said only to purge. 

Preparation, 

[Extractum Convallariae Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Con- 
vallaria. By maceration and percolation with Diluted Alcohol, and 
evaporation. 

Dose, 5 to 30 m. ; .30 to 2.00 c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Convallaria. 

The action of convallaria is precisely that of digitalis, and it 
may be given in exactly the same varieties of heart disease. It 
is sometimes successful when digitalis has failed. It is not so 
powerful as digitalis, but some find it less likely to produce sick- 
ness. [It is said to act more powerfully upon the right heart, 
but this is probably not true. A more extended experience 
seems to indicate that this drug is very unreliable.] 

SCILLA. 

SQUILL. — [Synonym. — Sea Onion. The bulb of Urginea maritima 
(Linne) Baker (nat. ord. Liliacece), deprived of its dry, membranaceous outer 
scales, and cut into thin slices, the central portions being rejected. Habitat. 
— Basin of the Mediterranean near the sea. 

Characters. — In narrow segments, about 5 cm. long, slightly translucent, 
yellowish-white or reddish, brittle and pulverizable when dry, tough and flexi- 
ble after exposure to damp air ; inodorous ; taste mucilaginous, bitter and 
acrid. ] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Scillitoxin, the most 
active principle; (2) [Scillipicrin, acting upon the heart; (3) Seillin, pro- 
ducing numbness and vomiting ; (4) Mucilage. 

Dose, 1 to 5 gr. ; .06 to .30 gm.] 

Preparations. 

1. Acetum Scillae. — [Vinegar of Squill. Squill, 100; Diluted 
Acetic Acid, by maceration and percolation, to 1000. 
Vinegar of Squill is ztsed to prepare Syrupus Scilla;. 
Dose, 10 to 45 m. ; .60 to 3.00 c.c. 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE HEART. 433 

2. Extractum Scillae Fluidum.— Fluid Extract of Squill. By 
maceration and percolation with Alcohol and Water, and evaporation. 

Fluid Extract of Squill is used to prepare Syrupus Scillae Com- 
positus. . 

Dose, 1 to 5 m. ; .06 to .30 c.c. 

3. Tinctura Scillae. — Tincture of Squill. Squill, 150. By ma- 
ceration and percolation with Alcohol and Water, to 1 000. 

Dose, 5 to 30 m. ; .30 to 2.00 c.c. 

4. Syrupus Scillae. — Syrup of Squill. Vinegar of Squill, 450; 
Sugar, 800 ; water to 1 000. By solution and straining. 

Dose, % to 1 fi. dr. ; 2. to 4. c.c. 

5. Syrupus Scillae Compositus. — Compound Syrup of Squill. 
Synonym. — Hive Syrup. See Antimony, p. 230.] 

Action of Squill. 

Squill so closely resembles digitalis in its action that the 
account of that drug will apply to squill, with the following ad- 
ditions : Squill is a much more powerful gastro-intestinal 
irritant ; vomiting and purging result from even moderate doses, 
and after death, if animals are killed with it, much gastro-enteritis 
is found. In the second place, some constituent of squill is 
excreted by the bronchial mucous membrane, and in passing 
through it irritates it. The vascularity and the amount of secre- 
tion are thereby increased. Squill is, therefore, a powerful ex- 
pectorant. Thirdly, squill in the course of its excretion 
through the kidneys stimulates them ; it is, therefore, a more 
energetic diuretic than digitalis, and it may irritate the 
kidneys excessively. 

Therapeutics of Squill. 

Because of its irritating properties, squill is not given alone, 
but it is frequently combined with digitalis when that drug is 
administered for heart disease or as a diuretic. A very favorite 
diuretic pill is composed of squill, digitalis and calomel, 1 gr. 
[.06 gm.] of each, made up [with extract of hyoscyamus, 
1^ gr. ; .09 gm. This is sometimes known as Guy's triplex 

pin.] 

Squill is much used as an expectorant. Here also it is always 

28 



434 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

prescribed in combination ; it is too irritating to the bronchial 
mucous membrane for it to be advisable to give it in acute bron- 
chitis ; nor should it be chosen in phthisis, lest it should cause 
dyspepsia ; but it is valuable in chronic bronchitis if the secre- 
tion is scanty. 

Squill should not be given in acute Bright' s disease, for it is 
too irritating to the kidneys. [Vinegar of squill should not be 
prescribed with ammonium carbonate.] 

SCOPARIUS. 

SCOPARIUS. — Synonym. — Broom. The tops of Cytisus Scoparius 
[(Linne) Link (nat. ord. Leguminosce). Habitat. — Western Asia, Southern 
and Western Europe ; naturalized in some localities in the United States. 

Characters. — In thin, flexible, branched twigs, pentangular, winged, 
dark green, nearly smooth, tough, usually free from leaves ; odor peculiar 
when bruised ; taste disagreeably bitter.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (i) Scoparin, C 21 H 22 O 10 , a 
[tasteless, amorphous, neutral principle. (2) Sparteine, C 15 H 26 N 2 , a color- 
less, oily, very bitter alkaloid. (3) Tannic Acid. 

Dose, ^ to 1 dr. ; 1. to 4. gm.] 

Preparation. 
[Extractum Scoparii Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Scoparius. 
By maceration and percolation with Diluted Alcohol, and evaporation. 
Dose, ^ to 1 fl. dr. ; 1. to 4. c.c. 

SPARTEINE SULPHAS. Sparteine Sulphate.— C 15 H 26 N 2 H 2 S0 4 -|- 
4^0=403.23. 

Source. — The neutral sulphate of an alkaloid obtained from Scoparius. 
It is obtained by extracting the plant with water acidulated with Sulphuric 
Acid, concentrating, decomposing with Sodium Hydroxide, and distilling. The 
Sulphate is prepared from the Alkaloid by neutralization with Sulphuric Acid, 
and crystallization. 

Characters. — Colorless, white, prismatic crystals, or a granular powder, 
odorless, and having a slight saline and somewhat bitter taste. Liable to 
attract moisture when exposed to damp air. Solubility. — Very soluble in 
water and Alcohol. 

Dose, T ^ to 2 gr. ; .006 to .12 gm.] 

Action of Broom. 

External. — Broom has no external action. 

Internal. — Nervous system. — [Its alkaloid sparteine sulphate 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE HEART. 435 

in poisonous doses causes, in the lower animals, tremblings, inco- 
ordination, increase of reflexes, clonic and tonic convulsions, 
followed by enfeeblement of all the functions, convulsions, and 
death from asphyxia. 

Respiration. — It paralyzes the respiratory centres, causes em- 
barrassment of the respiration and paralyzes the motor centres 
of the spinal cord, but has a very feeble influence upon the 
muscles, lessening, though not destroying, their excitability. 

Circulation. — According to Laborde, under the influence of 
this alkaloid there is a very great increase in the size and height 
of the cardiac wave. If the dose has been a small one, the 
pulse is at first accelerated ; after large doses there is a slowing 
followed by enfeeblement of the heart. The arterial pressure is 
not materially changed unless the dose is toxic, when it falls. 
Small doses weaken, and large ones paralyze the pneumogastric ; 
upon the vaso-motor system it appears to have no influence, 
unless in very large toxic doses, when it, perhaps, acts as a 
paralyzant. 

Kidneys. — Broom is of value as a diuretic. Scoparin prob- 
ably represents the diuretic principles of the plant.] 

Therapeutics of Broom. 
Broom is a very useful diuretic. It is usually given in com- 
bination with other diuretics in cases of dropsy from heart dis- 
ease or interstitial nephritis. If there is acute renal inflammation 
it should not be prescribed. [According to See, sparteine sul- 
phate is of very great value in producing regularity in cases of 
irregular cardiac action. It accelerates the beats when a weak, 
atonic state is present, and has the great advantage of acting 
quickly, is not cumulative, on the whole is probably inferior to 
digitalis in power, but it is useful in uncompensated cardiac, 
especially mitral, disease.] 

ERYTHROPHLCEUM. 

SASSY BARK. (Not official).— Synonyms.— [Mancona Bark.] Or- 
deal Bark. Casca Bark. The bark of Erythrophlcettm guineense (nat. ord. 
Leguminosce). \_Habitat. ] — Africa. 

Characters. — [In flat or curved pieces of irregular size, about 6 mm. 



436 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

thick, covered externally with an uneven warty and fissured corky layer, or 
deprived of the same, of a dull brown color. It is hard, brittle, of a fibrous 
texture, internally with pale yelloAvish brown spots, inodorous, of an astringent, 
somewhat bitter and acrid taste, and when powdered excites sneezing. ] 

Composition. — The active principle is Erythrophlceine, a [colorless alka- 
loid, soluble in water and Alcohol ; this is a local anaesthetic (Koller)]. 

Action and Therapeutics of Erythrophlceum. 

The action of erythrophloeum [of which a 10 per cent, tincture 
has been recommended in dose of from 5 to 10 m. ; .30 to .60 
c.c, by the British Pharmaceutical Conference] is the same as 
that of digitalis, and it may be used for the same class of cases. 
[In organic cardiac disease its effect in strengthening the pulse 
and in increasing the urine is by no means constant nor lasting.] 
It is, however, more likely to cause vomiting, and the action on 
the inhibitory cardiac mechanism is much more marked than 
that on the cardiac muscle. 

[ADONIDINUM. 

ADONIDIN. (Not official). — A glucoside obtained from Adonis Ver- 
nalis (nat. ord. Rammculacece). Synonytn. — False Hellebore. Habitat. — 
Northern Europe and Asia. 

Characters. — This glucoside occurs as a somewhat hygroscopic, canary- 
colored powder, of intensely bitter taste ; soluble in water and Alcohol ; in- 
soluble in Ether, Chloroform and Benzin. 

Dose, l /e, to y$ gr. ; .01 to .02 gm. 

Action and Uses of Adonidin. 

Adonidin markedly increases the arterial pressure while de- 
creasing the pulse rate. The primary rise is chiefly of cardiac 
origin, the slowing of the rate is due to stimulation of the inhibi- 
tory nerves. The late fall of blood-pressure is due, at least in 
great part, to vaso-motor paralysis. In its action it is more 
prompt than digitalis, and, according to Durand, does not have 
a cumulative action. If it is diuretic, it is chiefly through its 
effects upon the circulation. It is used for the same class of 
cases as digitalis. Its irritating properties prevent its subcu- 
taneous use and even prolonged administration by the mouth.] 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE HEART. 437 



Class II.— THE ACONITE GROUP. 

ACONITUM. 

ACONITE.— {Synonyms. — Monkshood. Wolfsbane. The tuber of 
Aconitum Napellus Linne (nat. ord. Ra7ianculacccv). Habitat. — Mountainous 
districts of Europe, Asia, and Northwestern North America. 

Characters. — From 10 to 20 mm. thick at the crown ; conically con- 
tracted below ; from 50 to 75 mm. long, with scars or fragments of radicles ; 
dark brown externally ; whitish internally ; with a rather thick bark, the cen- 
tral axis about seven-rayed ; without odor ; taste at first sweetish, soon becom- 
ing acrid, and producing a sensation of tingling and numbness, which lasts for 
some time.] Resembling Aconite. — Horseradish {g. v.). 

Composition. — The active principle is the very poisonous alkaloid Aco- 
nitine {see [below] ). Two other alkaloids are present, — Aconine [C 26 H 39 11 ] 
and Benzaconine. Other principles are, perhaps, Pseudo-aconitine , [C 36 H 49 
NO u , or Napelline, (dose, y§ to ]/% gr. ; .01 to .03 gm., Merck), Psendo- 
aconine, C., 7 H 41 N0 8 , Picro-aconitine, C 31 H i5 NO 10 , combined with Aconitic 
Acid, H 3 C 6 H s 6 .] 

Dose, V 2 to 2 gr. ; [.03 to .12 gm.] 

Preparations. 

[1. Extractum Aconiti. — Extract of Aconite. By maceration and 
percolation with Alcohol, and evaporation. 
Dose, T \ to % gr. ; .006 to .015 gm. 

2. Extractum Aconiti Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Aconite. 
By maceration and percolation with Alcohol and Water, and evaporation. 



3. Tinctura Aconiti. — Tincture of Aconite. Aconite, 35. By 
maceration and percolation with Alcohol and Water to 1 000. 
Dose, y 2 to 5 m. ; .03 to .30 c.c. 

It should be remembered that Fleming's Tincture of Aconite, which is 
found in the shops, is nearly twice as strong as the official tincture.] 

ACONITINA. — Aconitine. (B. P., not official). — C 33 H 45 N0 12 ?= 

[645-54- ?] 

Source. — [It is precipitated from an aqueous solution of an alcoholic ex- 
tract of the powdered root by Ammonia, and then purified.] 

Characters. — Colorless, hexagonal prisms of the rhombic system. Causes 
tingling when placed on the tongue. By partial hydrolysis it yields benzaco- 
nine, and on further hydrolysis it forms aconine and benzoic acid. Sohibility. 
— Readily in Alcohol and Chloroform, less so in Ether ; nearly insoluble in 
water. 

[Dose, 2^0 & r - J - 00 °3 gm.] 



438 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 



Preparation, \_B. P., not official.] 

Unguentum Aconitinse. — [Aconitine Ointment.] Aconitine dis- 
solved in Alcohol, I ; Oleic Acid, 8 ; [Benzoinated] Lard, 41. 



Action of Aconite. 

The action of aconite, which has lately been studied by Cash 
and Dunstan, is due chiefly to the aconitine in it, and therefore 
they may be considered together. 

External. — Applied to the skin, to a mucous membrane, or 
to a raw surface, aconitine and therefore aconite, first stimulates 
and then paralyzes the sensory nerves ; it therefore causes first 
tingling, then numbness and local anaesthesia, which last 
sonie time. Unless the skin is sound a dangerous quantity may 
be absorbed. It is intensely irritant to the nostrils, causing, 
when it is inhaled, sneezing and much secretion with an icy 
cold sensation. 

Internal. — Gastro-intestinal tract. — Unless it is very dilute, 
numbness and tingling are produced in the mouth. There are 
no other gastro-intestinal symptoms unless the dose is very large, 
when there may be vomiting and purging. 

Heart. — If small doses are given, the rate of the beat is- soon 
very decidedly steadied and slowed, shortly after that the 
force and tension become less, and these effects are mainly 
due to a stimulation of the roots of the vagus. But after larger 
doses the pulse quickens, misses beats, and becomes irregular. 
Many of the ventricular beats have no corresponding auricular 
contraction, although the two auricles always contract together 
and the two ventricles contract together. As the irregularity 
and frequency of ventricular contractions increase, the blood- 
pressure rapidly undergoes great variations. It is not until 
quite the end of its action that aconite influences the heart 
muscle. The ventricles, always more affected than the auricles, 
pass into a condition of delirium. Even small doses lead to a 
fall of blood-pressure, but all the effects on blood-pressure 
are almost entirely secondary to the action on the heart or its 
nerves. The vaso-motor centre is only slightly affected. [Clin- 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE HEART. 



439 



ically it would appear that the peripheral vessels are dilated. 
Aconite has been named the vegetable lancet.] 

Respiration. — The respiration, after a transitory quickening, 
is slowed, expiration and the pause after it are considerably 
prolonged. The movements become more slow and dyspnceal, 
the respiratory centre is powerfully depressed, but it is not easy 
to decide whether death is due to this or to cardiac failure. 

Nervous system. — It appears clear that aconite, whether given 
internally or applied locally, depresses the activity of the 
peripheral terminations of the nerves ; the nerves of com- 
mon sensation and temperature are affected before the 
motor. Any pain that may be present is relieved. Large 
doses in man cause clonic convulsions, chiefly respiratory. Later 
on, the paralysis of the motor nerves gives rise to muscular weak- 
ness. It is doubtful whether the cord is influenced. The brain 
is not. The pupil is dilated. 

Temperature. — Aconite causes a febrile temperature to fall. 
This is in part due to its action on the circulation and respira- 
tion, but probably other causes are at work. 

Skin. — Aconite is a mild diaphoretic; in this case also we 
do not understand how it acts. [The cutaneous blood-vessels 
are generally dilated.] Occasionally it produces an erythema- 
tous rash. 

Kidneys. — It is said to be a feeble diuretic, but its effect is 
very slight. Aconitine is excreted in the urine. 

Benzaconine is bitter, and does not cause tingling or numb- 
ness of mucous surfaces ; in large doses it slows the pulse-beat 
very strikingly because the auricular beats are frequently not fol- 
lowed by ventricular contraction. Its action is probably chiefly 
on the heart muscle itself. It does not paralyze sensory nerves, 
but greatly interferes with motor nerves and causes a semi-coma- 
tose condition. The fall of temperature produced by it is very 
slight. It will be noticed that it is in almost all respects contrary 
in action to aconitine. 

Aconine is bitter, but does not produce numbness. It is 
non-toxic as regards the heart, and opposes the cardiac inco- 
ordination and asequence caused by aconitine. It depresses 



44-0 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

motor nerves and respiration very strikingly, probably acting 
like curare. 

It is worth noting that, whilst the introduction into aconitine 
of two additional acetyl groups (as in diacetyl-aconitine) gives 
rise to a derivative very similar in action to aconitine, the loss 
of the acetyl group, as in benzaconine, almost entirely abolishes 
all physiological resemblance to aconitine. On the other hand, 
the removal of the benzoyl radical from benzaconine (aconine 
remaining) produces much less alteration in action, although it 
does not diminish the toxicity of benzaconine. 

Therapeutics of Aconite. 

External. — As aconite produces local anaesthesia, it is ap- 
plied externally and often with great benefit in cases of neuralgia, 
especially facial neuralgia. Frequently it fails, and we cannot tell 
beforehand whether it will succeed. A small piece of the oint- 
ment [B. P.] maybe rubbed in till numbness is produced, but as 
this is a very expensive preparation it is usually better to paint 
on the liniment [B. P., a 40 per cent, solution of the powdered 
root in alcohol, to which 2 per cent, of camphor is added], 
with a camel' s-hair brush. The pain of chronic rheumatism is 
sometimes relieved by aconite. Linimentum Aconiti Composi- 
tum, commonly called A. B. C. liniment because it contains 
equal parts of Aconite, Belladonna and Camphor liniments, is 
an excellent preparation for external use. Aconite should never 
be used externally unless the skin is quite sound. 

Internal. — It may be given internally for neuralgia, but it 
does not succeed nearly so well as when applied externally. It 
is not used internally as much as formerly, when it was admin- 
istered in almost every febrile disease, with the object of decreas- 
ing the force and tension of the pulse. Certainly it does this 
very effectually, and the only reason why it is not so popular at 
the present time is, that it is not now thought desirable to reduce 
the force and frequency of the heart in these diseases. Perhaps 
it is used too little, for many believe that the milder febrile 
diseases, such as tonsilitis, laryngitis, or a common cold, are dis- 
tinctly benefited by aconite, especially if they occur in children. 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE HEART. 44 1 

In addition to retarding the pulse it increases perspiration and 
lowers the temperature. As large doses diminish the force of 
the heart, it is usually given in doses of two or three minims 
[.12 or .20 c.c] of the tincture every hour or so till the pulse 
falls to nearly normal ; for the same reason it is not advisable to 
use it for prolonged fevers, as typhoid, nor when the heart is 
diseased, except in the few cases in which there is sufficient 
compensative cardiac hypertrophy. In such cardiac cases it is 
sometimes useful to slow the pulse, even when there is no fever. 
It will occasionally relieve the pain of aneurism. A common 
practice was to combine with it one or two minims ; [.06 or . 12 
c.c] of Vinum Antimonii, as that has much the same action on 
the heart. Formerly it was much used in surgery if it was feared 
that inflammation might set in after injuries. 

Toxicology. 

Symptoms. — They come on quickly ; in a few minutes there is a severe 
burning, tingling sensation in the mouth, followed by numbness. Vomiting 
[is not common, but may] begin in an hour or so, and [then] is very severe. 
There is an intense abdominal burning sensation. The skin is cold and 
clammy. Numbness and tingling, with a sense of formication of the whole 
skin, trouble the patient very much. The pupils are dilated, the eyes fixed 
and staring. The muscles become very feeble, hence he staggers. His pulse 
is small, weak and irregular. There is difficulty of respiration. Death takes 
place from asphyxia, or in some cases from syncope. The patient is often con- 
scious to the last. Post-mortem. — The usual signs of death from asphyxia are 
seen. 

Treatment. — Wash out the stomach promptly, give emetics {see p. 139). 
Use artificial respiration early. Inject stimulants, as ether or brandy, subcu- 
taneously ; apply warmth. Atropine and the tincture of digitalis should be 
given subcutaneously. Hot blankets and bottles [are useful]. 

AMYL COLLOID. (Not official.) — Synonym.— Anodyne Colloid. 
The composition of this is Amyl Hydride, 480; Aconitine, I; Veratrine,6; 
Collodion to 960. It is a fluid preparation. 

Action and Therapeutics of Amyl Colloid. 
Amyl colloid is painted on the skin over painful areas in neu- 
ralgia, sciatica, etc. It is an elegant method of obtaining the 
local anaesthetic action of aconitine and veratrine, which is aided 
by the evaporation of amyl hydride ; fbut it is extremely diffi- 



44 2 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

cult to make a clear solution.] When the collodion has formed 
a film, a piece of warm, moist spongiopiline helps the anaesthetic 
effect of the alkaloids. 

[VERATRUM VIRIDE. 

VERATRUM VIRIDE.— Synonyms.— American Hellebore. Green 
Hellebore. The rhizome and roots of Veratrum viride Solander (nat. ord. 
Liliacece). Habitat. — North America, in rich woods. 

Characters. — Rhizome upright, obconical, simple or divided, from 3 to 
S cm. long, and 2 to 4 or 5 cm. thick, externally blackish-gray, internally 
grayish-white, showing numerous short, irregular wood-bundles. Roots ema- 
nating from all sides of the rhizome, numerous, shrivelled, light yellowish- 
brown, about 10 to 20 cm. long, and 2 mm. thick. Inodorous, but strongly 
sternutatory when powdered ; taste bitterish and very acrid. Resembling 
Veratrum. — Valerian, Serpentaria, and Arnica, but Veratrum has thicker 
rootlets, and no odor. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are— fi) Jervine C 26 H 37 N0 3 , an 
alkaloid, non-sternutatory. (2) Pseudoje?'vine, an alkaloid, resembling Jer- 
vine. (3) Veralroidifie, sometimes called Cevadine, uncrystallizable, and 
sternutatory, is probably mostly Rubijervine. (4) Resin. 

Dose, 1 to 5 gr. ; .06 to .30 gm. 

Preparations. 

1. Extractum Veratri Viridis Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of 
Veratrum Viride. By maceration and percolation with Alcohol, and 
evaporation. \\-^ 

Dose, 1 to 5 m. ; .06 to .30 c.c. 

2. Tinctura Veratri Viridis. — Tincture of Veratrum Viride. 
Veratrum Viride, 400. By maceration and percolation, with Alcohol 
to 1000. 

Dose, 2 to 10 m. ; .12 to .60 c.c. 

It should be remembered that Norwood's Tincture of Veratrum Viride, 
which is found in the shops, is one-tenth stronger than the official. 

Action of Veratrum Viride. 

The action of veratrum viride is very complex, as it contains 
so many alkaloids, but experiments have only been made on two 
active principles. These are jervine, and a substance, vera- 
troidine, which further analysis shows to consist chiefly of ru- 
bijervine, resin, and, perhaps, some other bodies. Jervine, 
veratroidine, and veratrum viride will be considered separately. 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE HEART. 443 

Jervine. — Gastro-intestinal tract. — When administered in- 
ternally this substance produces profuse salivation, but neither 
vomiting nor purging. 

Circulation. — The pulse is markedly lessened in frequency 
if the animal is quiet, but often the convulsions produced by the 
jervine cause a rapid pulse. The force of the cardiac beat is not 
at first altered. The blood-pressure falls at once, and con- 
tinues to fall till death. Experiments made by excluding dif- 
ferent parts show that these effects are produced by a powerful 
direct depressant effect on the cardiac muscle itself, 
and that the vaso-motor nerve-centres are powerfully para- 
lyzed. 

Respiration. — This is \ rofoundly depressed, and death takes 
place from asphyxia. 

Nervous system. — Early in the case there is muscular 
weakness, and this becomes more and more marked, so that 
the animal cannot stand, and reflex action is abolished. Yet, 
weak as these muscles are, they are soon violently convulsed, 
and it is found that jervine produces these apparently contrary 
effects by energetically stimulating the cerebral motor centres, 
but at the same time paralyzing the anterior cornual cells of the 
spinal cord, although not sufficiently to prevent the very strong 
impulses from the cerebral centres reaching the muscles and 
causing convulsions. The muscles themselves and the motor 
and sensory nerves are not affected ; or, if they are, they are de- 
pressed a little, just before death. Consciousness and the pupils 
are uninfluenced. 

Veratroidine. — Gastro-intestinal tract. — This substance 
always produces vomiting and sometimes purging. 

Circulation. — At first it lessens the pulse-rate because it 
stimulates the pneumogastric, consequently the blood-pressure 
falls, and if artificial respiration is kept up these effects continue 
till, if very large doses have been given, the stimulation of the 
vagi passes into paralysis, and then the pulse rises in frequency. 
Veratroidine probably has no action on the vaso-motor centres. 
Its influence on the respiratory centres is so intense that if arti- 
ficial respiration is not maintained, the effects of the asphyxia so 



444 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

mask those of the drug on the vagi that the blood-pressure rises, 
and the pulse becomes rapid. 

Respiration. — The function of respiratory centres is power- 
fully depressed, the animal soon becomes asphyxiated and 
dies. 

Nervous system. — The action is the same as that of jervine. 

Veratrum Viride. — The symptoms produced by this drug 
in man are as follows. They are easily explained by the com- 
bined action of jervine and veratroidine : — The frequency and 
force of the pulse are profoundly depressed. There may be 
severe nausea and vomiting. After large doses the pulse becomes 
very feeble and uneasy, there is difficulty of respiration and 
intense muscular weakness. Convulsions are not common in 
man. The temperature may fall several degrees. 

Therapeutics of Veratrum Viride. 

It is the opinion of most authorities that veratrum viride 
should be prescribed with great caution, as it is such a powerful 
poison. Veratrum viride has been successfully employed for 
many years in the treatment of puerperal eclampsia, and of the 
drugs generally employed for this purpose it is the most reliable. 
It has been given as a cardiac depressant, but antimony and 
aconite are much safer. Some have, however, claimed that it is 
a better cardiac depressant than aconite, because the vomiting it 
induces quickly indicates that too large a dose has been adminis- 
tered ; but if the pulse is carefully watched, too much aconite 
need not be given, and the vomiting itself is objectionable.] 

VERATRINA. 

VERATRINE. — [A mixture of alkaloids obtained from the seed of 
Asagrcea officinalis ( Schlechtendal et Chamisso, Lindley (nat. ord. Liliacece). 
Habitat. — Mexico to Venezuela. 

Source. — (i) The seed is exhausted with Alcohol, and the Alcohol re- 
covered by distillation. (2) The residuary liquid is diluted with water to pre- 
cipitate the resins and filtered. (3) Ammonia is added to the filtrate when 
veratrine is precipitated. (4) It is then re-dissolved, decolorized, and re-pre- 
cipitated. 

Characters. — A white or grayish- white, amorphous or semi-crystalline 
powder, odorless, but causing intense irritation and sneezing when even a 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE HEART. 445 

minute quantity reaches the nasal mucous membrane ; having an acrid taste, 
and leaving a sensation of tingling and numbness on the tongue ; permanent 
in the air. Solubility. — Very slightly soluble in water ; soluble in 3 parts of 
Alcohol ; also soluble in 6 parts of Ether, and in 2 parts of Chloroform. 
Dose, 3L to T iy gr. ; .002 to .006 gm. 

Preparations. 

1. Oleatum Veratrinae. — Oleate of Veratrine. Veratrine, 2; 
Oleic Acid, 98.] 

2. Unguentum Veratrinae. — [Veratrine Ointment. Veratrine, 
4 ; Olive Oil, 6 ; Benzoinated Lard, 90.] 

Action of Veratrine. 

External. — Veratrine, if- it is applied to the unbroken skin, 
and especially if it is rubbed in, produces tingling and numb- 
ness, followed by a sensation of coldness, and anaesthesia to 
pain, touch, and temperature. Given subcutaneously, it causes 
violent pain and irritation. 

Internal. — Gastro-intestinal tract. — Inhalation of the minu- 
test portion causes great irritation of the mucous membrane of 
the nose, violent sneezing, and a free discharge of mucus, 
which may be bloody. A [minute portion] upon the tongue 
gives rise to burning pain and profuse salivation. On arriving 
at the stomach and intestine it produces great epigastric pain, 
vomiting and diarrhoea. These results also occur if it is 
given subcutaneously. 

Blood. — Veratrine is quickly absorbed. It is not known to 
affect the living blood, but it kills the white corpuscles in drawn 
blood. 

Heart. — It acts directly on the cardiac muscle as it does upon 
voluntary muscle ; that is to say, the contractions of the heart 
become fewer, but each lasts a very long while until 
ultimately the heart stops in systole. It also acts on the vagus 
as on spinal nerves, the functional activity being first exalted, 
and this is partly the reason of the slowing of the heart \ after- 
wards the vagus is depressed, but this does not cause a quickening 
of the pulse because of the action of the veratrine on the cardiac 



446 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

muscle, but it may make the beat irregular. The blood -pressure 
at first rises from the increased force of the beat, but when the 
heart becomes very slow it falls. Possibly these effects are also, 
in part, owing to the action of the drug on the vaso -motor 
centres. 

Respiration. — Small doses quicken respiration, large ones re- 
tard it, producing long pauses, and finally arresting it. These 
results are probably due at first to stimulation, and afterwards to 
paralysis of the ends of the vagus in the lung, and to paralysis 
of the respiratory centres. The temperature is lowered. 

Nervous system. — The brain is unaffected, and probably vera- 
trine has no influence on the spinal cord. Motor nerves are 
first excited and then paralyzed ; and the same is true 
of sensory nerves and their endings, but here the primary 
stimulation is very marked, hence the pain produced by the local 
inunction of veratrine. 

Muscles. — The effect of veratrine is pecular and characteristic. 
In animals to which it has been given, or in excised muscles to 
which it is applied, it is found that the period during which a 
single contraction lasts is enormously prolonged. If a 
tracing of the contraction be taken it will be seen that the latent 
period and the time of the ascent of the curve are unaltered, that 
the height is greatly increased and the descent is extraordinarily 
extended. This is a genuine lengthened contraction, which is 
neither rigor nor tetanus, but it almost exactly resembles the 
contraction of the muscles met with in Thomsen's disease. This 
effect of veratrine disappears if the muscle is cooled. 

Therapeutics of Veratrine. 

External. — Veratrine [as an oleate or ointment] has been 
much used as an inunction for neuralgia, and sometimes it suc- 
ceeds admirably, generally in the same class of cases as are bene- 
fited by the local application of aconite. \_See also amyl colloid, 
p. 441.] 

Internal. — It is rarely given internally, as it has such a 
powerful and pecular action on the heart. 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE HEART. 447 

[Class III.— THE CACTUS GROUP. 

CACTUS. 

CEREUS GRANDIFLORUS.-5;'«(?«;7«.- Night-blooming Cereus. 
The stems of Cactus Grandiflortcs Linne (nat. ord. Cactacece). Habitat. — 
Tropical America ; cultivated. 

Characters. — Its branches, or stems, are scandent, diffuse, radicant, 
slightly 5 to 7 angular; areolae, 5 to 12 spinulose ; spinules short, 4 to 6 mm. 
long, nearly equalling the whorl ; flowers large, nocturnal, white, pleasantly 
and strongly fragrant ; the calyx is about 15 to 20 cm. in diameter ; the inside 
being of a splendid yellow, the outside is of a dark brown ; the petals of a 
pure white ; and there is a vast number of recurved stamens in the centre. 

Constituent. — It is believed to contain an alkaloid, Cactine, but this 
has not been satisfactorily demonstrated. 

Preparation. 

Extractum Cacti Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Cactus. By macer- 
ation and percolation of the fresh flowering branches with Alcohol and 
Water and evaporation. 

Dose, 10 to 30 m. ; .60 to 2.00 c.c. 

Action and Uses of Cactus. 

The action of cactus is upon the intra-cardiac ganglia and ac- 
celerator nerves, through the cardiac plexus of the sympathetic, 
and there is not any interference with the inhibitory nerves, nor, 
indeed, does its administration produce any very marked vaso- 
motor changes. It shortens the ventricular diastole, thus quick- 
ening the pulse, and increases the blood-pressure. It is useful 
in cardiac weakness, that is, relative incompetency ; in convales- 
cence from typhoid fever; in simple eccentric cardiac dilata- 
tion ; in functional cardiac diseases, from tea, coffee, tobacco 
and alcohol, dyspepsia, neurasthenia of the climacteric, sexual 
exhaustion; in the "slow heart," from over-stimulation of the 
pneumogastric or degeneration of the muscular wall of the ven- 
tricles. It is of very great use in aortic regurgitation, but is 
absolutely contra-indicated in mitral stenosis, thus being of value 
in those cases where the use of digitalis is inadmissible. It has 
a sphere of action entirely of its own, not, however, replacing 
other remedies used for cardiac disease, but it is useful in many 
cases where these drugs are not only dangerous, but absolutely 



44$ ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

contra-indicated. Failures to obtain results depend upon the 
fact that many adulterated specimens are found in the shops, or 
upon the uses of inert, dried material. If made from the green 
plant, as it should always be, the fluid extract is of peculiar green 
color.] 



GROUP III. 



Vegetable Drugs employed for their action on the Respiratory Organs 
and not falling among Volatile Oils. {See Group VI. ) 

Senega, [Sanguinaria, Pulsatilla,] Ipecacuanha, 

[Allium,] Lobelia, [Asclepias, Castanea, Inula, 

Aspidosperma, Eridictyon, Cocillaha,] and 

Prunus Virginiana. 

Senega, Ipecacuanha and Lobelia are gastro-intestinal irritants. Senega 
and Ipecacuanha are both excreted by the bronchial mucous membrane, which 
they irritate. Group II. is connected with this group by Senega, which acts 
on the heart like Squill, and like it is excreted by the bronchial mucous 
membrane. 

SENEGA. 

[SENEGA. — The root of Polygala Senega Linne (nat. ord. Polygalec?). 
Synonym. — Senega Snakeroot. Habitat. — United States, westward to Min- 
nesota. 

Characters. — About 10 cm. long, with a heavy knotty crown, and 
spreading tortuous branches, keeled when dry, fleshy and round after having 
been soaked in water ; externally yellowish-gray or brownish-yellow ; bark 
thick, whitish within, enclosing an irregular, porous, yellowish wood ; odor 
slight, but unpleasant ; taste sweetish, afterwards acrid. ] Reseynbling Senega 
root. — Arnica, Valerian, Serpentaria and Green Hellebore, but none of these 
have a keel. 

Composition. — The active principle is Senegin (C 32 H 54 18 ). Also called 
Saponin, which is found in Quillaja [a. v.). It is a colorless, amorphous glu- 
coside, insoluble in Alcohol, but forming a soapy emulsion when mixed with 
boiling water, and is decomposed by Hydrochloric Acid into glucose and 
Sapogenin. It exists as a white powder, which forms a soapy emulsion when 
mixed with boiling water. It acts like Digitonin {see p. 421), and is found in 
many plants. 

Impurities. — Other roots are mixed with it. 

[Dose, 10 to 20 gr. ; .60 to 1.20 gm.] 



DRUGS ACTING ON THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 449 

Preparations. 

[1. Extractum Senegae Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Senega. 
By maceration and percolation with Alcohol, Ammonia Water and 
Water, and evaporation. 

Fluid Extract of Senega is used to prepare Syrupus Senegre and 
Syrupus Scilloe Compositus. 

Dose, 10 to 20 m. ; .60 to 1.20 c.c. 

2. Syrupus Senegae. — Syrup of Senega. Fluid Extract of Senega, 
200 ; Ammonia Water, 5 ; Sugar, 700 ; Water to 1 000. Filter before 
adding the Sugar. 

Dose, 1 to 2 fl. dr. ; 4. to 8. c.c. 

3. Syrupus Scillas Compositus. — See Antimony, p. 231.] 

Action of Senega. 

External. — Senega is an irritant to the skin. 

Internal. — Alimentary canal. — Senega in large doses is an 
irritant here also, producing salivation, vomiting and diarrhoea. 
Even small doses often cause indigestion. It is absorbed with 
difficulty. 

Circulation. — Senegin circulates as such in the blood. It 
arrests the heart in diastole. It is excreted by the skin, the 
bronchial mucous membrane, and the kidneys. 

Respiration. — When the powdered root is inhaled it acts as a 
violent irritant to the nose, causing much sneezing and cough, 
together with hyperaemia and increased secretion from the respi- 
ratory mucous membrane. If senega is taken internally, the 
bronchial mucous membrane is irritated because of excretion 
through it of senegin, which causes vascular dilatation, greater 
secretion, and renexly, cough. Senega is, therefore, a stimu- 
lating expectorant. 

Kidney. — It is a diuretic, because excretion of senegin through 
the kidneys causes irritation of them. 

Therapeutics of Senega. 

Senega is only used as a stimulating expectorant. It is evi- 
dent that it will be useful in bronchitis, when the secretion is 
scanty, and when the power to cough is feeble. As it is an irri- 
tant to the bronchial mucous membrane, it must not be given in 

29 



450 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

acute bronchitis, nor, on account of its gastro -intestinal action, 
when there is indigestion. It has been employed as a diuretic, 
but it is not powerful, and is uncertain. 

[SANGUINARIA. 

SANGUINARIA. — Synonym. — Bloodroot. The rhizome of Sangui- 
naria canadensis Linne (nat. ord. Papaveracece), collected in autumn. 
Habitat. — North America, in rich woods. 

Characters. — Of horizontal growth, about 5 cm. long, and 1 cm. thick, 
cylindrical, somewhat branched, faintly annulate, wrinkled, reddish-brown ; 
fracture short, somewhat waxy, whitish with numerous small, red resin-cells, 
or of a nearly uniform, brownish-red color ; bark, thin ; odor, slight ; taste 
persistently bitter and acrid. 

Composition. — Its chief constituents are — (1) Sanguinarine, C 20 H 15 NO 4 
a white substance, soluble in Alcohol. (2) Ckelerythrine, C 20 H 15 NO 4 . (3) 
Frotopine. — C 20 H 17 NO 5 , also present in Opium. (4) Hoynochelidonine, C 22 
H 21 N0 4 . (5) Resins. (6) Citric and Malic Acids. 

Dose, 2 to 30 gr. ; .12 to 2,00 gm. 

Preparations. 

1. Extractum Sanguinariae Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of San- 
guinaria. By maceration and percolation with Alcohol, Water and 
Acetic Acid, and evaporation. 

Dose, 1 to 5 m.; .06 to .30 c.c. (expectorant); ^ to 1 fl. dr.; 
1. to 4. c.c. (emetic). 

2. Tinctura Sanguinariae. — Tincture of Sanguinaria. Sangui- 
naria, 1 50 ; by maceration with Alcohol, Acetic Acid and Water, and 
percolation to 1 000. 

Dose, 5 to 30 m. ; .30 to 2.00 c.c. (expectorant); 1 to 3 fl. dr. ; 
4. to 12. c.c. (emetic). 

Action and Uses of Sanguinaria. 

Sanguinaria is an acrid emetic with stimulant, and in large 
doses, narcotic powers ; it is also expectorant and said to be an 
emmenagogue. It is chiefly used as a stimulating expectorant in 
chronic bronchitis or in advanced stages of the acute disease. 

PULSATILLA. 

PULSATILLA. — The herb of Anemone Pulsatilla and of Anemone 
pratensis Linne (nat. ord. Panunculacecz), collected soon after flowering. 
Habitat. —Europe. 



DRUGS ACTING ON THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 45 1 

Characters. — Leaves radical, petiolate, silky- villous, twice or thrice 
deeply three-parted or pinnately cleft, with linear, acute lobes, appearing after 
the large, purple flowers ; inodorous, very acrid. 

Composition. — The chief constituent is Anemonin, C 10 H 8 O 4 , which is 
colorless, inodorous and, when distilled with water, acrid. 

Dose, 1 to 5 gr. ; .06 to .30 gm. 

Action and Uses of Pulsatilla. 

It is said to be very nearly the equivalent of senega, and also 
to paralyze the heart and respiratory centres. It has been used 
for the treatment of the symptom of asthma, convulsive coughs 
and in bronchitis. Pulsatilla is a favorite remedy for dysmen- 
orrhcea in its various forms, obstructive excepted. The fluid 
extract (not official) in dose of 1 to 5 minims; .06 to .30 c.c, 
has been highly recommended for orchitis and epididymitis.] 

IPECACUANHA. 

IPECACUANHA. — Ipecac. [The root of Cephaelis Ipecacuanha 
(Brotero) A. Richard (nat. ord. Rubiacece). Habitat. — Brazil to Bolivia and 
New Granada, in damp forests ; cultivated in India. 

Characters.— About 10 cm. long, and 4 or 5 mm. thick ; mostly simple, 
contorted, dull grayish-brown or blackish, finely wrinkled ; closely and irreg- 
ularly annulated, and often transversely fissured ; bark thick, brittle, brownish, 
easily separated from the thin, whitish, tough, ligneous portion ; odor slight, 
peculiar, nauseous ; taste bitterish, acrid, nauseating.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Emetine, C^H^N^, 
from I to 2 per cent., an uncrystallizable alkaloid. It is colorless (turns yel- 
low on keeping), odorless, bitter, and soluble in Alcohol, Ether and Chloro- 
form, slightly soluble in water, not in caustic alkali. (2) Cephaeline, C 28 H 38 
N 2 4 , an amorphous, bitter alkaloid, colorless (turns yellow on keeping), solu- 
ble in caustic alkali, less soluble in Ether than Emetine, but freely in Alcohol 
and Chloroform. (3) A third alkaloid in minute quantities. (4) A mixture 
called Cephaelic or Ipecacuanhic Acid. (5) Tannic acid, Volatile Oil, Starch, 
Gum, etc. 

Ipecacuanha contains about 2 per cent, of alkaloids. The proportion of 
each varies in different specimens of the root, but as a rule there is twice as 
much Emetine as Cephaeline. Emetine hydrochlorate and hydrobromate are 
in the market; a solution of either in sherry [1 to 3840] is of about the same 
strength as Vinum Ipecacuanhse. 

Impurities. — Hemidesmus, which is cracked, not annulated. Almond 
Powder, occasionally found mixed with powdered Ipecacuanha root, gives odor 
of [Hydrocyanic] Acid when moistened. 



45 2 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Dose, of powdered root, ^ to 2 gr. ; [.03 to .12 gm. (expectorant), 
15 to 30 gr. ; 1. to 2. gm. (emetic).] 

Preparations. 

1. [Extractum Ipecacuanhae Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Ipe- 
cac. By maceration and percolation with Alcohol and Water, distilla- 
tion of the Alcohol, addition of water to residue, evaporation and addi- 
tion of Alcohol. 

Fluid Extract of Ipecacuanha is used to make Syrupus Ipecac- 
uanhae, Tinctura Ipecacuanhae et Opii, and Vinum Ipecacuanhae. 
Dose, 1 to 5 m. ; .06 to .30 gm. 

2. Pulvis Ipecacuanhae et Opii. — See Opium, p. 352. 

3. Trochisci Ipecacuanhae. — Troches of Ipecac. Ipecac, 2 ; 
Tragacanth, 2 ; Sugar, 65 gm. ; Syrup of Orange, a sufficient quantity 
for 100 troches. Each troche contains y^ gr. ; .02 gm. Ipecacuanha. 

Dose, 1 to 6 troches. 

4. Trochisci Morphinae et Ipecacuanhae. — See Morphine, p. 
354- 

5. Syrupus Ipecacuanhae. — Syrup of Ipecac. Fluid Extract of 
Ipecac, 75; Acetic Acid, 10; Glycerin, 100; Sugar, 700; Water to 
1000. 

Dose, 5 m. to 2 fl. dr. ; .30 to 8.00 c.c. 

6. Tinctura Ipecacuanhae et Opii. — See Opium, p. 352. 

7. Vinum Ipecacuanhae. — Wine of Ipecac. Fluid Extract of 
Ipecac, 100; Alcohol, 100 ; White Wine, 800. 

Dose, 1 to 60 m. ; .06 to 4.00 c.c] 

Action of Ipecacuanha. 

External.— Ipecacuanha powder is a powerful irritant to 
the skin, producing redness, vesication, and pustulation. It has 
some antiseptic powers, for it can destroy anthrax bacilli, but 
it has no effect on the spores. This property is not due to its 
emetine, but to some other constituent. 

Internal. — Alimentary canal. — Here also the irritating ac- 
tion of ipecacuanha is seen. It increases the flow of saliva, di- 
lates the gastric vessels, and stimulates 'the secretion of gastric 
juice. Therefore small doses are distinctly stomachic, and 
aid digestion. Large doses are, however, powerfully emetic. 
This is partly due to their irritant effect upon the stomach, but 



DRUGS ACTING OX THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 453 

still more to the fact that emetine acts directly upon the vomit- 
ing centre in the medulla, as can be proved by observing that, 
when the alkaloid is thrown directly into the circulation, vomit- 
ing follows before there is time for it to have been excreted into 
the stomach. Ipecacuanha is, therefore, both a direct and in- 
direct emetic. It produces a certain amount of depression, but 
not more than the mere act of vomiting will explain. It does 
not usually cause nausea. The irritant effect is continued in the 
intestine, and hyperemia, excessive secretion, and purging re- 
sult. In dysentery there is a peculiar tolerance of ipecacuanha. 
Ipecacuanha increases the amount of bile secreted, and is there- 
fore a direct cholagogue. 

Circulation. — Large doses of emetine depress the heart 
powerfully, the blood tension falls, and the heart finally stops in 
diastole. 

Respiration. — This is unaffected. Ipecacuanha powder when 
inhaled, or ipecacuanha taken internally, when it is excreted by 
the bronchial mucous membrane, causes hyperemia of it, to- 
gether with an increased secretion of bronchial mucus, and 
therefore, reflexly, coughing is stimulated. It is, consequently, 
an expectorant ; and because it depresses the circulation a 
little, it is called a depressant expectorant ; but this is a com- 
plete misnomer, considering that the bronchial mucous mem- 
brane is stimulated. Animals to which large doses of ipecacu- 
anha or of emetine have been given show, after death, 
considerable hyperemia of the bronchial mucous membrane, 
of the lungs, and of the stomach and intestines, and the same 
condition of the respiratory passage is seen if ipecacuanha 
powder has been inhaled. 

Skin. — Ipecacuanha is a mild diaphoretic. 

Therapeutics of Ipecacuanha. 

External. — Ipecacuanha is never, at the present day, em- 
ployed for its external irritant effect. It has been used with 
success, as an antiseptic, in cases of anthrax. It is directed that 
the wound should be dressed with the powder, and that 5 gr. 
[.30 gm.] should be taken by the mouth, every two hours. 



454 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Internal. — Stomach. — Occasionally in small doses, such as 4 
or 5 minims [.25 to .30 c.c] of the wine or ^ gr. [.015 gm.] 
of the powder, it is employed as a stomachic, and these quanti- 
ties may even stop vomiting when other drugs have failed. A 
usual prescription to arrest the vomiting of pregnancy is a minim 
[.06 c.c] of ipecacuanha wine in water every half hour. The 
powder of ipecac [and opium] has been praised in cases of gastric 
ulcer ; no doubt any good effect it may have is due to its stimu- 
lating power. Ipecacuanha is a very common emetic. It should 
not be given when it is desired, as in cases of poisoning, to 
empty the stomach quickly, for some time elapses before it is ab- 
sorbed and influences the medulla ; nor should it be given to the 
very feeble, for it has no action that will counteract the depres- 
sion of the vomiting. But it is an excellent emetic when it is 
wished, by the act of vomiting, to empty the air-passages, as in 
bronchitis, the early stages of diphtheria, tracheitis, and laryn- 
gitis, for not only the vomiting, but the effect of ipecacuanha on 
the respiratory tract and the slight subsequent depression will be 
beneficial. It is chiefly employed for this purpose in children, 
as they cannot cough well, and often it seems to act like a charm. 
It used to be given in the early stage of fevers, to empty the 
stomach of undigested food. A good emetic powder for an 
adult consists of 20 gr. [1.20 gm.] of powdered ipecacuanha 
with x /n gr. [.03 gm.] of tartar [emetic] 

Ipecacuanha is said to be a specific for dysentery. How it 
acts is not known. Very large doses must be given — 60 to 90 
gr. [4. to 6. gm.] of the powder in a single dose, or 20 gr. [1.20 
gm.] every four hours. Ipecacuanha from which the emetine 
has been removed (de-emetized ipecacuanha) has been much 
employed (dose, 10 to 30 gr. [.60 to 2.00 gm.]); on the other 
hand, it has been stated that the efficient agent in the treatment 
of dysentery is the emetine. 

Haifa grain to a grain [.03 to .06 gm.] ormore is often com- 
bined in a pill with other cholagogues to relieve cases of hepatic 
dyspepsia, and sometimes with excellent results. 

Respiration. — Ipecacuanha is a very common expectorant. 
[The troches] may be [dissolved in the mouth or the syrup], or 



DRUGS ACTING ON THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 455 

wine may be given internally. It is suitable in cases of bron- 
chitis or phthisis in which the secretion is scanty, and therefore 
there is much purposeless cough ; and also when the disease is 
of long standing, for then the stimulation of the chronically in- 
flamed mucous membrane will aid the cure of it. Its power 
of exciting the act of coughing adds to its usefulness. [Cephae- 
line seems to possess the expectorant properties of ipecacuanha. ] 

The inhalation of ipecacuanha powder [or wine] by means 
of an atomizer has been recommended in cases of asthma, and 
for the asthma-like paroxysms which often accompany chronic 
bronchitis. Sometimes it does good, but it may make the 
trouble worse. 

Skin. — Dover's powder [see p. 352] is very commonly used 
as a diaphoretic in mild feverish attacks. 

[ALLIUM. 

GARLIC. — The bulb of Allium sativum Linne (nat. ord. Liliaceir). 
Habitat. — Asia and Southern Europe, cultivated. 

Characters. — Bulb subglobular, compound, consisting of about eight 
compressed, wedge-shaped bulblets, which are arranged in a circle around the 
base of the stem, and covered by several dry membranous scales. Odor pun- 
gent and disagreeable ; taste warm and acrid. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) A volatile oil, }£ per 
cent., which consists of Allyl (C 3 H 5 ) oxide and sulphide. (2) Mucilage. 
(3) Albumin. 

Dose, 15 to 30 gr. ; 1. to 2. gm. 

Preparation. 

Syrupus Allii. — Svrup of Garlic. Garlic, 200 ; Sugar, 800 ; di- 
luted Acetic Acid to 1000. 

Dose, 1 to 4 fl. dr. ; 4. to 15. c.c. 

Action and Uses of Garlic. 

The effects of garlic are those of a general stimulant, quick- 
ening the circulation, exciting the nervous system, and promot- 
ing expectoration. It is beneficial in impaired digestion, in 
chronic catarrhal and other pectoral affections in which symp- 
toms of inflammation have subsided and a relaxed state of the 
vessels remains.] 



45^ ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

LOBELIA. 

LOBELIA. — [The leaves and tops of Lobelia inflata Linne (nat. ord. 
Lobeliacece)y collected after a portion of the capsules have become inflated. 
Synonym. — Indian Tobacco. Habitat. — North America, in the fields and 
open woods. 

Characters. — Leaves alternate, petiolate, the upper ones sessile, ovate 
or oblong, about 5 cm. long, irregularly toothed, pubescent, pale green ; 
branches hairy, terminating in long racemes of small, pale blue flowers, having 
an adherent five-toothed calyx, which is inflated in fruit, a bilabiate corolla, 
and five united stamens ; odor slight, irritating ; taste mild, afterwards burn- 
ing and acrid.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Lobeline, [an alkaloid, as 
a yellowish, oily liquid of pungent taste, having an odor resembling that of 
tobacco. (2) Lobelacrin (probably Lobeline Lobelate). (3) Lobelic Acid.] 

Incompatibles. — Caustic Alkalies, as they decompose Lobeline. 

Dose, 1 to 10 gr. ; [.06 to .60 gm.] 

Preparations. 

1. [Extractum Lobelise Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Lobelia. 
By maceration and percolation with Diluted Alcohol, and evaporation. 

Dose, 1 to 10 m. ; .06 to .60 c.c. 

2. Tinctura Lobelise. — Tincture of Lobelia. Lobelia, 200. By 
percolation with diluted Alcohol to 1000. 

Dose, 5 to 30 m. ; .30 to 2.00 c.c] 

Action of Lobelia. 

External. — Lobelia has no effect on the skin, but it is stated 
that poisonous symptoms may occur from absorption of it 
through the epidermis. 

Internal. — Gastro-intestinal tract. — Moderate or large doses 
are powerfully irritant, and thus they cause violent vomiting 
and purging. A peculiarity of the-action of lobelia is that these 
results are accompanied by very intense prostration, as shown 
by the feeble pulse, cold sweats, pale skin, and great muscular 
relaxation. 

Circulation. — In the frog the heart is at first stimulated, but 
soon depressed, and it finally stops in diastole. The blood- 
pressure falls. This is due partly to the action on the heart, and 
partly to paralysis of the vaso-motor centres. 

Respiration. — Small doses slow respiration, large doses 



DRUGS ACTING ON THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 457 

strongly depress the respiratory centre, and death takes place 
from respiratory failure. The muscular coat of the bronchi is 
said to be relaxed. 

Nervous system. — Toxic doses are required to affect the 
higher cerebral centres, and then coma and convulsions are pro- 
duced, but it is not clear how far these results are due to asphyxia. 
The respiratory and vaso-motor centres, and probably the car- 
diac, are, as already mentioned, depressed. Experiments seem 
to show that the motor centres of the cord are also depressed. 
Muscles and nerves are unaffected. 

Lobeline is probably excreted by the kidneys and skin, and 
is said to have diuretic and diaphoretic properties. 

Therapeutics of Lobelia. 
Lobelia has been recommended as a purgative, and as an 
emetic, but it should not be used for these purposes, because of 
its great liability to produce collapse. It is employed [for the 
relief of the symptom] asthma to relax the muscular coat of the 
bronchial tubes. A [drachm ; 4. c.c] of the tincture should 
be given till nausea is experienced, but it should never be pushed 
beyond that point. It may also be prescribed for bronchitis 
accompanied by spasmodic dyspnoea. [As an external applica- 
tion tincture of lobelia with an equal quantity of glycerin is a 
most useful remedy for the relief of pain of acute epididymitis. 

ASCLEPIAS. 

ASCLEPIAS. — Synonym. — Pleurisy root. The root of Asclepias tube- 
rosa Linne (nat. ord. Asdepiadecc). Habitat. — United States, near the At- 
lantic Coast. 

Characters. — Root large and fusiform, dried in longitudinal or trans- 
verse sections, from 2 to 1 5 cm. long, and about 2 cm. or more in thickness ; 
the head knotty, and slightly but distinctly annulate, the remainder longitu- 
dinally wrinkled, externally orange-brown, internally whitish ; tough and 
having an uneven fracture ; bark thin and in two distinct layers, the inner one 
whitish ; wood yellowish, with large, white, medullary rays. It is inodorous, 
and has a bitterish, somewhat acrid taste. 

Constituents. — (1) A crystalline Glucoside, soluble in Alcohol, Ether, 
and somewhat in water. (2) Asdepion, a bitter crystalline principle. (3) 
Two Resins. 

Dose, %. to 2 dr. ; 2. to 8. gm. 



45$ ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Preparation. 

Extractum Asclepiadis Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Asclepias. 
By maceration and percolation with Diluted Alcohol, and evaporation. 
Dose, y 2 to 2 fl. dr. ; 2. to 8. c.c. 

Action and Uses of Pleurisy Root. 

Pleurisy root possesses diaphoretic, carminative, and expec- 
torant properties, without being stimulant. It is used in the 
disease which gives its name, and in various pectoral affections. 

CASTANEA. 

CASTANEA. — Synonym. — Chestnut. The leaves of Castanea dentata 
(Marshall) Sudworth (nat. ord. Cttpuliferce), collected in September or Octo- 
ber, while still green. Habitat. — North America, from Ontario south to 
Florida, and west to Arkansas and Michigan. 

Characters. — From 15 to 25 cm. long, about 5 cm. wide, petiolate, ob- 
long-lanceolate, acuminate, mucronate, feather-veined, sinuate-serrate, smooth ; 
odor slight ; taste somewhat astringent. 

Constituents. — (1) Tannic acid, about 9 per cent. (2) Albumin. (3) 
Resin. (4) Gum. 

Dose, y 2 to 2 dr. ; 2. to 8. gm. 

Preparation. 

Extractum Castanese Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Castanea. 
By maceration with Boiling Water, percolation, evaporation, and addi- 
tion of Glycerin and Alcohol. 

Dose, y 2 to 2 fl. dr. ; 2. to 8. c.c. 

Action and Uses of Chestnut Leaves. 

Chestnut Leaves are mildly sedative, they are used only in 
whooping-cough, because they are supposed to possess anti-spas- 
modic and expectorant properties. 

INULA. ; 

INULA. — Synonym. — Elecampane. The root of Inula Helenium 
Linne (nat. ord. Composites). Habitat. — Central and Southern Europe, and 
eastward to central Asia ; spontaneously in the United States ; cultivated. 

Characters. — In traverse, concave slices or longitudinal sections, with 
overlapping bark, externally wrinkled and brown ; flexible in damp weather ; 
when dry, breaking with a short fracture ; internally grayish, fleshy, slightly 



DRUGS ACTING ON THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 459 

radiate, and dotted with numerous shining, yellowish-brown resin cells ; free 
from starch ; odor peculiar, aromatic ; taste bitter and pungent. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Inuiin, 3C 12 H 20 O 10 - r - 
H 2 0, sometimes called Alantin, which is found in 19 to 44 per cent., accord- 
ing to the season ; (2) Alantic Acid, C 15 H 20 O 2 ; (3) Helenin, C 6 H g O. (4) A 
volatile oil, consisting of alantic anhydride, and alantol or alant camphor. 

Dose, % to 1 dr. ; 1. to 4. gm. 

Action and Uses of Inula. 

It is chiefly used in diseases of the lungs, especially when 
complicated with general debility. Recently, some laboratory 
experiments have suggested that helenin may be of value in the 
treatment of tuberculosis, since it is believed to be a bactericide. 

ASPIDOSPERMA. 

ASPIDOSPERMA.— .^wowj/wj.— Quebracho. Iron Wood. The bark 
of Aspidosperma Quebracho-bianco Schlechtendal (nat. ord. Apocynacece). 
Habitat. — Argentine Republic. 

Characters. — In nearly flat pieces, about I to 3 cm. thick ; the outer 
surface yellowish-gray or brownish, deeply fissured ; inner surface yellowish- 
brown or reddish-brown, distinctly striate ; fracture displaying two sharply 
defined strata, of about equal thickness, and both marked with numerous 
whitish dots and striae arranged in tangential lines ; the fracture of the outer, 
lighter- colored layer rather coarsely granular, and that of the darker colored, 
inner layer short- splintery ; inodorous ; taste very bitter and slightly aromatic. 

Composition. — (1) Aspidospermine, C 22 H 28 N 2 2 , (2) Quebrachamine, 
(3) Aspidospermatine, (4) Aspidosamine, C 22 H 28 N 2 2 , (5) Hydroquebrachine, 
C 21 H 28 N 2 2 , all being Alkaloids, (6) Quebrachit, a peculiar sugar, (7) Tannic 
acid. 

Dose, 5 to 30 gr. ; .30 to 2.00 gm. 

Preparation. 

Extractum Aspidospermatis Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Aspi- 
dosperma. By maceration with Glycerin and Alcohol, and percolation 
with Glycerin, Alcohol and Water, and evaporation. 

Dose, 5 to 30 m. ; .30 to 2.00 c.c. 

Action of Aspidosperma. 

None of the alkaloids fully represent the drug. In the lower 
animals large doses of the bark produce motor paralysis, with 
dyspnoea and finally death from asphyxia. The breathing early 



460 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

becomes slower, but deeper ; the blood-pressure is not affected 
until late. Penzoldt believes that the relief of dyspnoea, which 
is obtained clinically, is caused by its increasing the power of the 
blood to take up oxygen. 

Therapeutics of Aspidosperma. 

It is a bitter which may aid the appetite, and is a valuable 
remedy when the respiration is embarrassed by emphysema, 
chronic bronchitis, or chronic pneumonia ; even urgemic asthma 
is benefited by it. It is not of benefit in dyspnoea of cardiac 
origin. The commercial aspidospermine, which is an impure 
mixture of all the alkaloids, and therefore represents their com- 
bined action, may be given in doses of from ^ to ^ gr.j .015 
to .03 gm. 

ERIODICTYON. 

ERIODICTYON.— Synonyms. — Verba Santa. Mountain Balm. Con- 
sumptive's Weed. The leaves of Eriodictyon glutinoswn, Bentham '( nat. ord. 
Hydrophyllacea:). Habitat. — California. 

Characters. — Oblong lanceolate, 5 to 10 cm. long, acute at the apex, 
and below narrowed into a short petiole, the margin sinuately toothed to nearly 
entire ; upper surface green, smooth, and covered with a brownish resin ; 
lower surface reticulate and minutely white-tomentose ; odor somewhat aro- 
matic ; taste balsamic and sweetish. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are— (1) Volatile Oil, (2) Resin, 
acrid, greenish -yellow, containing Ericolin, C 34 H 56 21 , (3) Tannic acid, 8 per 
cent. 

Dose, 15 to 30 gr. ; 1. to 2. gm. 

Preparation. 

Extractum Eriodictyi Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Eriodictyon. 
By maceration and percolation with Alcohol and Water, and evapora- 
tion. 

Dose, 15 to 30 m. ; 1. to 2. c.c. 

Action and Uses of Eriodictyon. 

Eriodictyon has long been used in California as a bitter tonic, 
and as a stimulating expectorant. It has been found useful in 
chronic bronchitis. It is an excellent vehicle for quinine, 
concealing its bitter taste. 



DRUGS ACTING ON THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 46 



COCILLANA. 

COCILLANA. (Not official). — The bark of Sycocarpus Rusbyi (nat. 
ord. Meliacece). Habitat. — Bolivia. 

Characters. — The bark is thick, and ash-colored, becoming rough only 
with considerable age ; inner surface is grayish-yellow ; the odor is slight, but 
peculiar ; taste unpleasant (not bitter), slightly nauseous. 

Composition. — Its chief constituents are — (I) Rusbyine (Eccles), an 
alkaloid. (2) Two Resins. (3) Tannic Acid. (4) Calcium Oxalate. 

Preparations. 

1. Extractum Cocillanse Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Cocill ana. 
By maceration and percolation with Alcohol and Water, and evapora- 
tion. 

Dose, 5 to 25 m. ; .30 to 1.50 c.c. 

2. Syrupus Cocillanae. — Syrup of Cocillaha. By maceration and 
percolation with Alcohol and Water, with addition of Sugar. 

Dose, 1 to 2 fl. dr. ; 4. to 8. c.c. 

3. Tinctura Cocillanse. — Tincture of Cocillafia. By maceration 
and percolation with Alcohol and Water, and addition of Alcohol. 

Dose, 1 to 2 fl. dr. ; 4. to 8. c.c. 

Action and Uses of Cocillana. 

Cocillafia acts upon muciparous glands, increasing their ac- 
tivity ; on the bronchial mucous membrane, causing expectora- 
tion ; on the intestinal mucous membrane, producing a laxative 
effect ; it also slightly increases the appetite ; it slightly 
strengthens the heart beat, and the pulse, but does not stimulate 
the respiratory centre. The syrup does not act as a laxative, 
while the resins are distinctly purgative. It is of very great 
value as an expectorant, preferable to ipecacuanha, in that it 
does not so readily cause nausea and a metallic taste in the 
mouth, and assists the regular movement of the bowels. If, 
however, nausea should be produced, it is very persistent. Its 
action is fully established three to six hours after administration, 
and persists at least for six hours. It can, in many cases, be 
substituted for apomorphine, ammonium carbonate and for 
many other drugs, classed, with more or less reason, as expec- 
torants]. 



462 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

PRUNUS VIRGINIANA. 

[WILD CHERRY.— The bark of Prunus serotina Ehrhart (nat. ord. 
Rosacea), collected in autumn. Habitat. — North America, westward to Min- 
nesota and Louisiana ; in woods. 

Characters. — In curved pieces or irregular fragments, 2 mm. or more 
thick, outer surface greenish-brown, or yellowish-brown, smooth and somewhat 
glossy, marked with transverse scars ; if the bark is collected" from old wood 
and deprived of the corky layer, the outer surface is nut-brown and uneven ; 
inner surface somewhat striate or fissured. Upon maceration in water it 
develops a distinct bitter-almond odor ; its taste is astringent, aromatic and 
bitter. 

Composition. — (1) Amygdalin, which yields with water, Glucose, Hy- 
drocyanic Acid and the Essential Oil of Bitter Almond. (2) Emuhin, prob- 
ably identical with the emulsin of Bitter Almond. The action of this ferment 
is destroyed at a boiling temperature. (3) Tannic Acid. 

Dose, ]/ 2 to 1 dr. ; 2. to 4. gm. 

Preparations. 

1. Extractum Pruni Virginianae Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of 
Wild Cherry. By maceration and percolation with Glycerin, Alcohol 
and Water, and evaporation. 

Dose, y z to 1 fl. dr. ; 2. to 4. c.c. 

2. Infusum Pruni Virginianae. — Infusion of Wild Cherry. 
Wild Cherry, 40. By maceration and percolation to 1 000. 

Dose, 1 to 2 fl. oz. ; 30. to 60. c.c. 

3. Syrupus Pruni Virginianae. — Syrup of Wild Cherry. Wild 
Cherry, 150 ; Sugar, 700 ; Glycerin, 150 ; Water to 1000. By macera- 
tion and percolation. 

Dose, 1 to 4 fl. dr. ; 4. to 15. c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Wild Cherry. 

When this drug is treated with water diluted hydrocyanic acid 
is formed, and that is probably the reason why it is efficacious 
in relieving cough, especially a hacking cough, by which noth- 
ing is expectorated, for [hydrocyanic] acid diminishes reflex 
excitability. [Wild cherry] is a very favorite remedy, and the 
syrup is a very useful flavoring agent for cough mixtures. [It 
also, as a vehicle for tincture of digitalis, renders it less likely 
to produce gastric disturbance.] 



ANTI PERIODIC, ANTIPYRETIC, AND ANTISEPTIC DRUGS. 463 



GROUP IV. 

Vegetable Drugs having Antiperiodic, Antipyretic, and Antiseptic 
Properties. 

Cinchona, Quinine, Salicin, Salicylic Acid, [Gaultheria,] 
Salol, [Salophen.] 

CINCHONA. 

[CINCHONA. — The bark of Cinchona Calisaya Weddell, Cinchona 
officinalis Linne and of hybrids of these and of other species of Cinchona 
(nat. ord. Rubiacece), yielding, when assayed, not less than 5 per cent, of total 
alkaloids, and at least 2.5 per cent, of Quinine (C 20 H 24 N 2 O 2 -j-II 2 O=34i.3). 
Ha'bitat. — South America, on the Eastern slope of the central chain of the 
Andes, thence spreading northward into Colombia ; cultivated in Java, India, 
Jamaica, and other countries ; to a limited extent also in South America. 

Characters. — -In quills or in curved pieces, varying in length, and usually 
2 or 3, or sometimes 5 mm. thick ; the outer surface covered with a gray or 
brownish-gray cork, usually slightly wrinkled, marked with transverse, and 
also with intersecting, longitudinal fissures ( C. Calisaya), and sometimes with 
scattered warts and slight longitudinal ridges ; inner surface light cinnamon- 
brown, very finely striate ; fracture short and granular in the outer layer, and 
finely fibrous in the inner layer; powder light brown or yellowish brown ; odor 
slight, somewhat aromatic ; taste bitter and somewhat astringent. ] 

Composition. — The chief constituents of Cinchona Bark are five alkaloids, 
two acids, a glucoside, Tannic acid, a coloring matter and a volatile oil. 

(1) Quinine. — An Alkaloid, exists as the Hydrate. Gives a green color 
with Chlorine water and Ammonia ; turns the plane of polarization to the left, 
solutions of its salts are fluorescent. Forms salts with acids. {See p. 464.) 

(2) Quinidine. — An Alkaloid, C 20 H, 4 N 2 O 2 , isomeric with Quinine, differ- 
ing from it only in crystallizing in prisms, turning the plane of polarization to 
the right, and not being soluble in ammonia except in excess. 

(3) Cinchonine. — An Alkaloid. C 20 H 9J N 2 O. Colorless prisms, inodor- 
ous, bitter. No green color with Chlorine water and Ammonia. Turns the 
plane of polarization to the right. Not fluorescent. {See p. 466.) 

(4) Cinchonidine. — An Alkaloid, C 19 H. 22 N. 2 0, isomeric with Cinchonine, 
differing from it in turning the plane of polarization to the left, being sparingly 
soluble in Ether, and being slightly fluorescent. 

(5) Quinamine. — An Alkaloid [C 19 H. 2i N 2 2 ]. Not important. 

(6) Kinic or Quinic Acid. — C 7 H 19 6 . Large, colorless prisms. It and 
its salts are soluble in water, and thus Quinine may be given subcutaneously as 
Quinine Quinate. This acid is found in the Coffee Bean and other plants. It 
is allied to Benzoic Acid, and appears in the urine as Hippuric Acid. 



464 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

(7) Kinovic or Quinovic Acid, [C 32 H 48 6 .] — A white amorphous sub- 
stance related to Kinovin. 

(8) Kinovin or Quinovin. — A Glucoside, [C 30 H 48 O 8 ,] which easily de- 
composes into Glucose and Kinovic Acid. 

(9) Cinchotannic Acid. — [2 to 4] per cent. It is the astringent principle 
of Cinchona Bark. It differs from Tannic Acid in becoming green with ferric 
salts. It is easily oxidized to Cinchona Red. 

(10) Cinchona Red. — The coloring matter of the bark. It is almost in- 
soluble in water. 

(n) A Volatile Oil. — This exists in minute quantities. Cinchona Bark 
owes its smell to it. 

Remijia Bark yields, in addition, Homoquinine, which is a compound of 
Quinine and another alkaloid, Cupreine, [C 19 H 22 N 2 2 .] 

Impurities. — Inferior barks, known by their not yielding the full strength 
of Quinine and Cinchonine. 

[The true yellow Cinchona Bark must not be confounded with other Cin- 
chona Barks of a similar color, but having the bast fibres in bundles or raised 
rows, and breaking with a splintery or coarsely fibrous fracture. ] 

Incompatibl.es. — Ammonia, lime water, metallic salts and gelatin. 

Dose, 10 to 60 gr. ; [.60 to 4.00 gm.] 

Preparations . 

[1. Infusum Cinchonae. — Infusion of Cinchona. Cinchona, 60; 
Aromatic Sulphuric Acid, 10; by percolation with Water to 1000. 
Dose, 1 to 2 fi. oz. ; 30. to 60. c.c. 

2. Extractum Cinchonae. — -Extract of Cinchona. By maceration 
and percolation with Alcohol and Water, distillation of the Alcohol 
and evaporation. 

Dose, 4 to 30 gr. ; .30 to 2.00 gm. 

3. Extractum Cinchonae Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Cinchona. 
By maceration and percolation with Alcohol, Glycerin and Water, and 
evaporation, addition of Alcohol. 

Dose, 10 to 60 m. ; .60 to 4.00 c.c. 

4. Tinctura Cinchonae. — Tincture of Cinchona. Cinchona, 200 ; 
Glycerin, 75. By maceration and percolation with Alcohol and Water 
to 1 coo. 

Dose, y, to 2 fl. dr. ; 2. to 8. c.c] 

CINCHONA RUBRA. 

[RED CINCHONA.— The bark of Cinchona succirubra Pavon (nat. 
ord. Rnbiacea:'), containing not less than 5 per cent, of its peculiar alkaloids. 
Habitat. — Ecuador, west of Chimborazo. 

Characters. — In quills or incurved pieces, varying in length, and from 



ANTIPERIODIC, ANTIPYRETIC, AND ANTISEPTIC DRUGS. 465 

2 to 4 or 5 mm. thick ; the outer surface covered with a grayish-brown cork, 
more or less rough from warts and longitudinal warty ridges, and from few, 
mostly short transverse fissures ; inner surface more or less deep reddish-brown 
and distinctly striate ; fracture short fibrous in the inner layer ; powder red- 
dish-brown ; odor slight ; taste bitter and astringent. 

Constituents. — See Cinchona. 

Dose, 10 to 60 gr. ; .60 to 4.00 gm. 

Preparation. 

Tinctura Cinchonse Composita. — Compound Tincture of Cim 
chona. Red Cinchona, 100 ; Bitter Orange Peel, 80; Serpentaria, 20 ; 
Glycerin, 75. By maceration and percolation with Alcohol, Glycerin 
and Water to 1 000. 

Dose, 1 to 4 fl. dr. ; 4. to 15. c.c. 

QUININA. 

1. QUININE.— C 20 H 24 N 2 O 2 4-3H 2 O=377. 22. An Alkaloid obtained 
from the bark of various species of Cinchona (nat. ord. Rubiacece). 

Source. — By adding to a solution of the Sulphate a sufficient quantity of 
Ammonia Water to precipitate the Alkaloid. 

Characters. — A white, flaky, amorphous or crystalline powder, odorless, 
and having a very bitter taste; permanent in the air. Solubility. — In 1670 
parts of water, and in 6 parts of Alcohol ; in 23 parts of Ether, 5 parts of 
Chloroform and 200 parts of Glycerin ; also soluble in Carbon Disulphide, 
Benzin, Benzol, Ammonia Water, and diluted acids. 

Impurities. — Other alkaloids, cinchonine, cinchonidine, quinidine and 
cupreine. Lime, chalk, magnesia, starch and other white powders. Salicin, 
detected by its giving a blood-red color with sulphuric acid. 

Quinine is used to prepare Ferri et Quininae Citras and Ferri et Quininge 
Citras Solubilis. 

Dose, 1 to 20 gr. ; .06 to 1.20. gm.] 

2. QUININE SULPHAS.— Quinine Sulphate. (C 20 H 24 N 2 O 2 ) 2 H 2 
S0 4 [+7H 2 0=87o.22. 

Source. — By boiling Cinchona in water acidulated with Hydrochloric 
Acid and straining. Add Lime to the decoction, and wash the precipitate. 
Digest in boiling Alcohol, and distil off the Alcohol. Dissolve the residue in 
Distilled Water and Sulphuric Acid, boil with Animal Charcoal, filter and set 
aside to crystallize. 

Characters. — White, silky, light and fine, needle-shaped crystals, 
fragile and somewhat flexible, making a very light and easily compressible 
mass, lustreless from superficial efflorescence after being for some time exposed 
to the air, odorless, and having a persistent, very bitter taste. The salt is lia- 
ble to lose water on exposure to warm air, to absorb moisture in damp air, and 
to become colored by exposure to light. Solubility. — In 740 parts of water, 

30 



466 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

and in 65 parts of Alcohol ; also in 40 parts of Glycerin, in about 680 parts 
of Chloroform, and freely in dilute acids. ] 

INCOMPATIBLES. — Alkalies and their carbonates, and astringent infusions. 

\_Quinine Sulphate is used to prepare Syrupus Ferri, Quininae et Strych- 
nine Phosphatum. 

Dose, 1 to 5 gr. ; .06 to .30 gm., or 5 to 20 gr. ; .30 to 1.20 gm.] (anti- 
pyretic and antiperiodic). 

3. [QUININE BISULPHAS.— Quinine Bisulphate. -C 20 H 24 N 2 O 2 
H 2 S0 4 +7H 2 0=5 4 6.88. 

Source. — By suspending Quinine Sulphate in water, adding Sulphuric 
Acid, filtering and crystallizing. 

Characters. — Colorless, transparent or whitish, orthorhotnbic crystals, 
or small needles, odorless, and having a very bitter taste. Efflorescing on 
exposure to air. Solubility. — In 10 parts of water, and in 312 parts of 
Alcohol. 

Dose, 1 to 20 gr. ; .06 to 1.20 gm. 

4. QUININE HYDROBROMAS.- Quinine Hydrobromate. C 20 
H 24 N 2 2 HBr+H 2 0=422.o6. 

Source. — By suspending Quinine Sulphate in Water, adding Barium 
Bromide in solution, filtering, evaporating, and crystallizing. 

Characters. — White, light, silky needles, odorless, and having a very 
bitter taste. The salt is liable to lose water on exposure to warm or dry 
air. 

Solubility. — In 54 parts of water, and in 0.6 part of Alcohol ; also soluble 
in 6 parts of Ether, and in 12 parts of Chloroform. 

Dose, 1 to 20 gr. ; .06 to 1.20 gm.] 

5. QUININE HYDROCHLORAS.- Quinine Hydrochlorate. C, 

H 24 N 2 2 HCl[+ 2t l 2 0-395.63- 

Source. — By treating the Alkaloid with diluted Hydrochloric Acid, and 
crystallization. 

Characters. — White, silky, light and fine, needle-shaped crystals, odor- 
less, and having a very bitter taste. The salt is liable to lose water when ex- 
posed to warm air. Solubility. — In 34 parts of water, and in 3 parts of Alco- 
hol ; also soluble in 9 parts of Chloroform.] 

Dose, 1 to 20 gr. ; [.06 to 1.20 gm.] 

6. [QUININE VALERIANAS. See Valeriana. 

7. QUINIDINiSE SULPHAS.— Quinidine Sulphate. (C 20 H 24 N 2 O 2 ) 2 
H 2 S0 4 4- 2 H 2 0=78o.42. T ne neutral sulphate of an alkaloid obtained from 
the bark of several species of Cinchona (nat. ord. Rubiaceoi). 

Source. — From the mother liquors after the crystallization of Quinine, by 
the same process as for Quinine. 

Characters. — White, silky needles, odorless, and having a very bitter 
taste; permanent in the air. Solubility. — In 100 parts of water, and in 8 



ANTIPERI0D1C, ANTIPYRETIC, AND ANTISEPTIC DRUGS. 467 

parts of Alcohol ; also in 14 parts of Chloroform, and in acidulated water ; 
almost insoluble in Ether. 

Dose, 1 to 20 gr. ; .06 to 1.20 gm. 

8. CINCHONINA.— Cinchonine. C 19 H 22 N 2 0=293.4i. 

Source. — By precipitation of the aqueous solution of the Sulphate by 
Ammonia Water. 

Characters. — White lustrous prisms or needles, without odor, at first 
almost tasteless, but soon developing a bitter after-taste ; permanent in the air. 
Solubility. — In 3760 parts of water, and in 1 16 parts of Alcohol ; also soluble 
in 526 parts of Ether, and in 163 parts of Chloroform. 

Dose, 1 to 30 gr. ; .06 to 2.00 gm. 

9. CINCHONINA SULPHAS.— Cinchonine Sulphate. (C 19 H 22 N 2 
O ) 2 H 2 S0 4 -f 2 H 2 0=7 20. 56. 

Source. — Obtained from the mother liquors after the crystallization of the 
Quinine, Quinidine, and Cinchonidine Sulphates by further concentration, 
precipitating the alkaloids by Caustic Soda, washing with Alcohol till free 
from other alkaloids, dissolving in Sulphuric Acid, purifying with animal char- 
coal, and crystallizing. 

Characters. — Hard, white, lustrous, prismatic crystals, without odor, 
and having a very bitter taste ; permanent in the air. Solubility. — In 66 parts 
of water, and in 10 parts of Alcohol ; also soluble in 78 parts of Chloroform, 
but almost insoluble in Ether. 

Dose, 1 to 30 gr. ; .06 to 2.00 gm. 

10. CINCHONIDINE SULPHAS. -Cinchonidine Sulphate. (C 19 
H 22 N 2 0) 2 H 2 S0 4 +3H 2 0=738.52. The neutral Sulphate of an Alkaloid 
obtained from the bark of various species of Cinchona. 

Source. — Obtained from the mother liquors after the crystallization of 
Quinine Sulphate by further concentration, purifying by crystallization from 
Alcohol, and finally from hot water. 

Characters. — White, silky, acicular crystals, without odor, and having 
a veiy bitter taste ; slightly efflorescent on exposure to air. Solubility. — In 
70 parts of water, and in 66 parts of Alcohol; also soluble in 131 6 parts of 
Chloroform, and almost insoluble in Ether. The presencd of sulphates of 
other Cinchona Alkaloids increase its solubility in Ether and Chloroform. 

Dose, 1 to 30 gr. ; .06 to 2.00 gm.] 

Action of Cinchona and its Alkaloids. 
The action of cinchona bark is due almost entirely to the 
quinine in it ; the other alkaloids act in much the same way as 
this alkaloid, the sulphate, [bisulphate, hydrobromate] and hydro- 
chlorate of which produce the same effect as quinine itself. The 
following description will be that of the action of quinine sul- 



468 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

phate, which is often called quinine. Any differences between 
it and the bark or the other alkaloids will be mentioned in the 
course of this description. 

External. — Quinine is a very powerful antiseptic. A solu- 
tion of 1 to 500 destroys many forms of micro-organisms, and 
a solution of 1 to 250 prevents fermentation and putrefaction. 
Quinine is very fatal to all low forms of animal and vegetable 
life. A solution of 1 to 1000 kills many infusoria. No effect 
is produced upon the sound skin by quinine, but it is irritant to 
a raw surface. 

Internal. — Alimentary canal. — Quinine acts like any other 
bitter, such as calumba. The bitter taste is very marked ; in 
the mouth the gustatory nerves, and in the stomach the gastric 
nerves, are stimulated. This leads reflexly to an increase of the 
salivary and gastric secretions, and to greater vascularity and 
peristalsis of the stomach, the appetite is sharpened and digestion 
is aided. Quinine is, therefore, a stomachic. These effects, 
of course, bring about a better absorption of food ; and hence, 
if digestion was previously feeble, the patient feels stronger after 
a course of quinine. In the stomach any quinine salt is con- 
verted into a chloride, some of which is probably absorbed here ; 
for in the intestines it would be precipitated by the alkaline 
secretions. It is often excreted unchanged in the faeces. 

Blood. — Quinine, as the chloride, is readily absorbed into the 
blood ; and although this is alkaline, it is not precipitated, being 
probably held in solution by the gases of the blood. It is not 
known that it undergoes any alteration there, but it produces 
some remarkable changes. 

(a) White corpuscles. — If the movements of the white cor- 
puscles are being watched in a drop of blood on the warm stage 
of the microscope, and some quinine is added, they at once cease. 
Again, if the mesentery of a living frog be put under the micro- 
scope, and slightly irritated so as to set up inflammation, emi- 
gration of the white corpuscles through the capillary walls, or 
diapedesis, as it is called, will be observed ; if now some quinine 
be injected into the circulation this ceases, but those white cor- 
puscles that have already passed out wander further from their 



ANTIPERIODIC, ANTIPYRETIC, AND ANTISEPTIC DRUGS. 469 

capillary. If the quinine be applied locally to the mesentery, 
directly the white corpuscles have passed through their capillaries 
their movement is stopped, and the motionless corpuscles collect 
in large numbers around the capillaries. It is clear, therefore, 
that quinine has the power of arresting the movements of 
white blood-corpuscles. In sufficient quantity it appears 
actually to destroy them, for in a cat killed by quinine they are 
much fewer in number than in a healthy cat. 

(£) Red corpuscles. — Quinine is said to cause a diminution in 
the size of these, but this is most likely not strictly correct. In 
fever, if the temperature is high, the red corpuscles are probably 
a little larger than natural. If the temperature be reduced by 
any means the corpuscles regain their normal size. Quinine will 
reduce the temperature, but it probably has no special action on 
the corpuscles. 

(V) Acidity of the blood. — Blood outside the body gradually 
becomes acid. Quinine prevents this. 

(V) Ozonizing power. — If ozonized oil of turpentine be mixed 
with a tincture of guaiacum, nothing occurs ■ but if a drop of 
blood be added, that transfers the ozone to the guaiacum, oxi- 
dizes it, and turns it blue. This ozonizing power of blood 
is prevented by the addition of quinine. 

(<?) The stability of oxyhemoglobin is strengthened by qui- 
nine, so that the blood does not yield up its oxygen as easily as 
normally, consequently it cannot absorb oxygen readily. This 
inability of haemoglobin to take up oxygen in the presence of 
quinine is parallel with its action on other varieties of proto- 
plasm. For example, fungi absorb oxygen slowly if quinine be 
present, and thus fermentation may be prevented. Phosphores- 
cent infusoria (the phosphorescence is due to rapid oxidation) lose 
this property in the presence of quinine. The ozonizing power 
of fresh vegetable juices is retarded by it. Quinine is, therefore, 
very constant and very powerful in interfering with oxidation. 

Circulation. — Small doses of quinine probably increase the 
activity of the heart reflexly because they stimulate the stomach ; 
but large doses (larger than are given to man medicinally), either 
applied to the excised heart or circulating through it, directly 



470 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

paralyze the organ ; the pulse becomes slower and more feeble, 
and the heart is finally arrested in diastole. Whether it acts on 
the muscle or the ganglia is not known. Large doses lower the 
blood-pressure considerably ; this is owing partly to the effect on 
the heart, but it is probable that this fall of arterial pressure is 
due in part also to the action of quinine on the blood-vessels. 
If the spleen is enlarged as a result of malarial fever, the ad- 
ministration of quinine, curing the fever, leads to a decrease in 
the size of the spleen, but it has no direct effect on this organ, 
as is often asserted. 

Respiration. — Although, as we have seen, quinine must, be- 
cause of its retardation of oxidation, have a powerful influence 
on internal respiration, diminishing the activity of metabolism, 
it has but a moderate effect on respiratory movements. Small 
doses slightly increase, large doses depress them. 

Temperature. — Quinine has very little power over the healthy 
temperature, but that of fever is markedly reduced ; it is, there- 
fore, an energetic antipyretic. Considering its direct capa- 
bility of diminishing metabolism in the tissues, it seems fair to 
assume that the drug diminishes heat production, and that 
it does so by acting directly on the thermogenetic tissues ; but, 
whether it decreases heat production by also influencing the cere- 
bral thermogenetic centres is not known. 

Cerebrum. — Small doses are believed to stimulate cerebral 
activity. The results of experiments upon the action of quinine 
on the brain are so discordant as to be at present valueless. The 
effects of a large dose in man will be described under Cin- 
chonism. 

Spinal cord and nerves. — In frogs, quinine causes a lessening 
of reflex excitability, which is removed by section below the 
medulla; but in large doses it produces a permanent diminu- 
tion of reflex excitability. In these animals quinine also first 
excites and then paralyzes the sensory nerves or their peripheral 
endings. The muscles are uninfluenced. These effects are not 
seen in man. 

Uterus. — It has often been stated that quinine will lead to 
abortion, that it will, when labor has commenced, aid the expul- 



AXTI PERIODIC, ANTIPYRETIC, AND ANTISEPTIC DRUGS. 47 1 

sion of the foetus, and that it will increase the menstrual flow if 
that is scanty. It appears that the first statement is certainly 
incorrect, and that the second and third are only correct for 
some women. 

Kidneys. — After a full dose of quinine it is found in the 
urine in half an hour, and is slowly excreted for several days, 
but by far the greater part is eliminated within the first forty - 
eight hours. The excretion of uric acid is greatly diminished, 
and that of urea and other nitrogenous bodies in the urine is 
also considerably lessened. This confirms the statement already 
made that quinine retards considerably the metabolism of the 
body, but it should be stated that very little alteration is observed 
in the excretion of carbon [dioxide] by the lungs. It is said 
that minute quantities of quinine are gotten rid of by all the 
secretions, as it may be detected in milk, saliva, bile, tears, etc., 
and it may be found in dropsical fluids if the patient has been 
taking it. 

Cinchonism. — In many persons a dose of ten grains; [.60 
gm.] or more of quinine produces a train of physiological symp- 
toms, chiefly from its influence on the nervous system. The 
patient soon complains of ringing in the ears, fullness in the 
head, and slight deafness. With larger doses these symptoms 
increase, disturbances of vision and giddiness are added, he 
may stagger when he walks, and the headache may be very 
intense. 

Quinine is hardly ever given as a poison, but if it should be, 
all these symptoms of cinchonism will be very severe ; the 
patient may be delirious and comatose, quite deaf and blind, and 
if he die it will be from collapse due to cardiac and respiratory 
failure. Great congestion of the middle ear and labyrinth is 
found in animals poisoned by quinine. The mild degrees of 
cinchonism pass off directly [after] the drug is discontinued. 
Rarely quinine causes an erythematous rash, and it has been 
known to give rise to epistaxis. Those who work among cin- 
chona barks may have a rash on their skin from the mechanical 
irritation of the powder. Both hydrobromic acid and ergotin 
are said to diminish the liability to cinchonism. 



47 2 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Relative Action of the Alkaloids. — The other alkaloids 
are quite similar in their action to quinine, but they are not so 
powerful. Their relative antipyretic effect is quinine ioo, quini- 
dine 90, cinchonidine 70, cinchonine 40. 

Therapeutics of Cinchona and its Alkaloids. 

External. — Quinine is too expensive for use as an antiseptic. 

Internal. — Gastro-intestinal tract. — It is very largely used 
on account of its stomachic properties, chiefly for that variety of 
indigestion which is the outcome of general ill-health, want of 
fresh air, anaemia, etc., and not often when the stomach is the 
organ primarily at fault. The preparations of cinchona bark are 
very useful for this variety of dyspepsia; they contain quite 
enough of the alkaloids. The compound tincture has the advan- 
tage of containing other stomachics. Iron is very commonly 
given at the same time to correct the general condition. Quinine 
is frequently prescribed with the tincture of [ferric] chloride ; 
there is always enough free acid in this to dissolve any prepara- 
tion of quinine. Alkalies, especially sal volatile, are often pre- 
scribed with solutions of quinine sulphate, but they precipitate 
the quinine, and therefore mucilage must be used to suspend it. 
The dose of quinine sulphate or hydrochlorate as a stomachic 
bitter is ^ to 2 gr. [.03 to . 12 gm.] The hydrochlorate is often 
preferred, as it is the more soluble. [Cinchonidine salicylate 
(not official) is generally preferable to the sulphate as a tonic 
and an antiperiodic in dose of from 5 to 10 gr. ; .30 to .60 gm.] 

Antipyretic effect. — Quinine was commonly used as an anti- 
pyretic, but for the rare occasions on which antipyretic drugs are 
required, it has now been replaced by more certain drugs, as 
phenacetin, acetanilid, and [antipyrin]. It is, however, a very 
fairly certain antipyretic. It is best given for this purpose in a 
single dose of 20 to 40 gr. [1.20 to 2.40 gm.] for an adult. 
Such large doses may be prescribed either in cachets, or as a 
solution of the hydrochlorate, or as the sulphate suspended in 
milk [and at the same time sodium or potassium bromide should 
be administered to avoid the disagreeable tinnitus which is set 
up. The diluted hybrobromic acid is an excellent solvent, and, 



ANTIPERIODIC, ANTIPYRETIC, AND ANTISEPTIC DRUGS. 473 

at the same time, will relieve the ringing in the ears] . About 
one or two hours elapse before the temperature begins to fall. 
Quinine is more efficacious in reducing a temperature just begin- 
ning to fall than a rising one. Hence, if possible, it should be 
administered two or three hours before the time at which pre- 
vious experience of the particular case shows the temperature 
will probably attain its maximum ; then the fall will be more 
marked and last longer than if the drug had not been given. 

Specific action. — Quinine, and to a less extent the other cin- 
chona alkaloids, have the remarkable property of arresting the 
paroxysms of malaria fever, [because it prevents the entrance 
of spores into the red blood-corpuscles where only their cycle 
of development occurs.] If 15 to 30 gr. [1. to 2. gm.] be 
taken about one or two hours before the attack is due, it will 
not take place, or it will be very mild. [If a more prompt effect 
is desired, quinine carbamide (not official), which is very soluble, 
can be administered hypodermatically ; a smaller dose, 5 to-8 gr. ; 
.30 to .50 gm., in an hour or two, is almost invariably successful 
in preventing the next immediate chill.] The same effect [may] 
be produced if smaller doses, about 5 gr. [.30 gm.] have been 
taken four or five times a day during the period between the 
attacks. Not only is it thus prophylactic, but the continued use 
of it is curative. It is also preventive, even if the persons to 
whom it has been given have never had ague. For this purpose 
it is administered to soldiers and sailors who have to enter mala- 
rious regions, and it is then found that few of them get ague. 
If the disease is very severe it is best to give single large doses. 
[Clark's powder consists of quinine, 10 ; powdered capsicum, 
4 ; powdered opium, 1 part. This is given in 15 gr. ; i.oo gm., 
doses, and is said to be more efficacious in the treatment of ague 
than larger doses of quinine when given alone.] 

If a person has once had ague, illnesses that he subsequently 
suffers from are liable to assume a malarial type. This is espe- 
cially the case with neuralgia, which is then peculiarly paroxys- 
mal. It is often on the forehead, when it is called brow-ague. 
In such cases the effect of quinine is frequently very well-marked, 
and a cure speedily takes place. Sometimes neuralgia which is 



474 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

not malarial is temporarily benefited. Quinine cures ague by 
acting, while circulating in the blood, as a direct poison to 
the hsematozoa (protozoa), the [plasmodium malariae,] 
which infests the blood and is the cause of ague. It has been 
given for a host of diseases, especially septicaemia, but there is 
not any evidence that it does good to any except those men- 
tioned. The preparations of the bark contain so little quinine 
that they cannot be used as antipyretics or antiperiodics. 

Lately it has been stated that quinine causes black -water fever ; 
this is a pernicious error, as it will cure this form of malaria. 

Quinine should, if possible, be avoided in (i) persons suffer- 
ing from acute or subacute disease of the middle ear ; (2) those 
suffering from gastro -intestinal irritation, which it may increase ; 
(3) those people, occasionally met with, in whom quite small 
doses produce very severe symptoms of cinchonism • (4) [Men- 
ingitis and (5) Inflammation of genito-urinary tract.] 

Warburg' s tincture is a medicine which has a very high reputation in 
India for malaria. It has been called Tinctura Antiperiodica. The published 
formula states that it is a proof-spirit tincture, containing Quinine Sulphate, 80 ; 
Socatrine Aloes, 100 ; Opium, I ; Rhubarb, 32 ; Camphor, 8 ; with Angelica, 
Elecampane, Saffron, Fennel, Gentian, Zedoary, Cubeb, Myrrh, and Agaric, 
as aromatics, with menstruum to 4000. [This contains about 9^ gr. ; .60 
gm., to the ounce; 30. c.c. , of menstruum.] Dose, I to 4 fl. dr. [4. to 15. 
c.c.J It is often prescribed to be made without the Aloes. 

SALICINUM. 

SALICIN.—C 13 H 18 T [=285. 33. A neutral principle (glucoside) ob- 
tained from several species of Salix and Populus (nat. ord. Salicaceoe). Syn- 
onym. — Willow. Habitat. — Europe, naturalized in North America ; culti- 
vated. 

Source. — (1) Make a strong decoction of willow bark. (2) Remove the 
tannic acid by warming and agitating the decoction with Lead Oxide. (3) 
Evaporate the solution. Salicin crystallizes out, and is purified by repeated 
solution, and crystallization. 

Characters. — Colorless, or white, silky, shining crystalline needles, or 
a crystalline powder, odorless, and having a very bitter taste. Permanent in 
the air. Solubility. — In 28 parts of water, and in 30 parts of Alcohol ; almost 
insoluble in Ether or Chloroform.] 

Dose, 5 to 30 gr. ; [.30 to 2.00 gm.] 



ANTIPERIODIC, ANTIPYRETIC, AND ANTISEPTIC DRUGS. 475 



ACIDUM SALICYLICUM. 

SALICYLIC ACID.— HC 7 H 5 3 [=I37.67. An organic acid, existing 
naturally, in combination, in various plants, see Oleum Gaul thence and Oleum 
Betulae Volatile ; but most largely prepared synthetically from Carbolic 
Acid.] 

Source. — [Made by combining Sodium Carbolate with Carbon Dioxide 
Gas. Thus, dry Carbon Dioxide is passed through Sodium Carbolate heated 
to428° F. ; 220 C.]. 2NaC 6 H 5 0-fC0 2 =Na 2 C,H 4 O s (Sodium Salicylate), 
+C 6 H 6 (Phenol). This is treated with Hydrochloric Acid. Na 2 C v H 4 3 
-f 2HCl=2NaCl+HC 7 H 5 3 (Salicylic Acid). 

Characters. — [Light, fine, white, prismatic needles, or a light, white, 
crystalline powder ; odorless, having a sweetish, afterwards acrid taste, and 
permanent in the air. Solubility. — In about 450 parts of Water, and in. 2.4 
parts of Alcohol ; also soluble in 2 parts of Ether, 2 parts of Absolute Alcohol, 
and 80 parts of Chloroform.] Resembling Artificial Salicylic Acid, — Strych- 
nine, but the crystals of Strychnine are larger, colorless, non-irritating, less 
soluble, and the solution is very bitter. 

Incompatible. — Spirit of Nitrous Ether. 

Impurities. — Orthocreosotic, metacreosotic, and paracreosotic acids, only 
in artificial salicylic acid. In the best specimens they are absent. 

Dose, 5 to 60 gr. ; [.30 to 4.00 gm.] 

SODII SALICYLAS.— Sodium Salicylate. NaC 7 H 6 3 [=i5Q.67]. 

SOURCE. — Obtained by acting on Sodium Carbonate with Salicylic Acid. 
[2HC 7 H 5 3 + NajC0 3 =2NaC Y H 5 3 +H 2 0+C0 2 . The solution may be 
strained through muslin and heated to expel the Carbon Dioxide. ] 

Characters. — [A white, amorphous powder, odorless, and having a 
sweetish, saline taste. Permanent in cool air. Solubility. — In 0.9 part of 
Water, and in 6 parts of Alcohol ; also soluble in Glycerin. ] 

Incompatible. — Hydrobromic acid, for sodium bromide is formed and 
salicylic acid is precipitated. 

Impurities. — Orthocreosotic, metacreosotic, and paracreosotic acids. 

Dose, 5 to 60 gr. ; .30 to 4.00 gm. 

[LITHII SALICYLAS.— Lithium Salicylate. (LiC 7 H 5 3 =i4 3 .68.) 

Source. — Obtained by heating Salicylic Acid, Lithium' Carbonate, and 
Water, until the effervescence ceases, filtering and evaporating. Li 2 CO s 
+2HC 7 H 5 3 =2LiC 7 H 5 3 +H 2 0+C0 2 . 

Characters. — A white, or grayish-white powder, odorless, and having a 
sweetish taste ; deliquescent on exposure to air. Solubility. — Very soluble in 
Water and in Alcohol. 

Dose, 1 to 15 gr. ; .06 to 1.00 gm.] 

For Bismuth Salicylas see p. 183, and for Salol see p. 481. 



476 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Action of Salicin, Salicylic Acid and of Sodium [and 
Lithium] Salicylates. 

External. — Salicin and salicylic acid are antiseptics rather 
more powerful than carbolic acid. They are stimulant and mildly 
irritant to the skin. Locally applied, they check sweating. 
The salts of salicylic acid are not [strongly] antiseptic. 

Salicylic acid softens and removes epithelium. 

Internal. — Alimentary tract. — When inhaled or applied to 
the throat, salicylic acid is irritating, causing sneezing and 
cough. In the stomach also it is irritant, giving rise to pain, 
nausea, and vomiting unless well diluted. The sodium [and 
lithium] salts and salicin are much less irritating. The gluco- 
side, salicin, is in the bowel converted into glucose and saligenin 
(C 7 H 8 2 ), and this is further decomposed into salicylic acid, 
salicyluric acid (HC 9 H 8 N0 4 ), and salicylous acid (HC 7 H 5 2 ). 
Liver, — The bile is rendered much less viscid ; [in fact salicylic 
acid is probably the strongest cholagogue known]. Sodium 
salicylate, like sodium benzoate, increases both the amount and 
the solids of the bile. 

Blood. — Salicylic acid, whether taken directly or formed in 
the bowel from the decomposition of salicin, is rapidly absorbed 
in spite of its insolubility, and therefore it is probably taken up 
as sodium salicylate ; [at least], this is the form in which it cir- 
culates in the blood, and consequently the following description 
will apply whether salicin, salicylic acid, or sodium salicylate has 
been taken. It has been thought also to exist in the blood as an 
albuminate, but of this there is no evidence, nor for the theory 
that when the sodium salicylate meets with carbon [dioxide] , 
salicylic acid is set free. Some of the salicylic acid of the sodium 
salt unites with glycocoll, forming salicyluric acid, which appears 
in the urine. Thus: HC 7 H 6 3 +C 2 H 6 NO a (glycocoll)=HC 9 
H 8 N0 4 (salicyluric acid) +H 2 0. It will be noticed that this 
change is precisely analogous to the conversion of benzoic into 
hippuric acid by its union with glycocoll. Binz has suggested 
that the specific beneficial effect of the salicylates in acute rheu- 
matism is due to setting free of salicylic acid in the inflamed 



ANTIPERIODIC, ANTIPYRETIC, AND ANTISEPTIC DRUGS. 477 

part by the carbon [dioxide] in it. The beneficial effect of this 
acid is also seen in a disease of bees known as foul brood, and 
due to certain schizophytes, for feeding the creatures on syrup 
containing salicylic acid cures them. 

Heart. — Salicin and salicylic acid are often stated to depress 
the force of the heart and cause a fall of blood-pressure. Care- 
ful comparison shows that salicin is not nearly so depressant as 
the acid — in fact, it is probable that it has not this action at all, 
unless given in toxic doses. Further, natural salicylic acid is 
not so depressant as the artificial variety. For example, Char- 
teris found that 30 gr. [2. gm.] of salicin, or 10 gr. [.60 gm.] 
of natural salicylic acid, or 32 gr. [2.12 gm.] of natural sodium 
salicylate had no injurious effect on a rabbit, but that much 
smaller doses than these of the artificial acid or its salt killed the 
animal. The artificial variety was found to contain orthocreo- 
sotic and paracreosotic acids, and these are powerful cardiac 
depressants. Thus it seems probable that the depressing ef- 
fects commonly ascribed to salicylic acid are really due to the 
impurities occasionally present in the artificial form. 

Respiration. — Moderate doses have very little effect on respi- 
ration. Toxic doses strongly depress it. 

Temperature. — In medicinal doses salicin and salicylic acid 
have no influence on the temperature of man, in toxic doses they 
slightly lower it ; but they readily depress a febrile temperature, 
and are therefore called antipyretics. They cause a slight 
increase of perspiration, but this is not sufficient to explain the 
fall. 

Salicylic acid and salicin are antiperiodic. 

Nervous system. — We know little of the effect of salicylic 
acid on the individual parts of the nervous system. The clinical 
symptoms known as salicylism will be described presently. 

Kidney. — Salicylic acid escapes chiefly through the kidneys. 
It, to a much less extent, also leaves the body by the sweat, the 
saliva, the bronchial secretions, and the faeces. It appears in 
the urine very soon after its ingestion (in from 10 to 30 minutes), 
but the elimination goes on slowly. It is excreted as salicyluric 
acid and sodium salicylate, which is split up by the phosphoric 



478 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

acid in the urine, yielding salicylic acid. The dark greenish 
color of the urine sometimes seen is due to small quantities of 
either indican or pyrocatechin. Occasionally salicylic acid 
causes hematuria, due to congestion of the kidneys. Large 
doses increase the nitrogenous elimination, the uric acid being 
especially increased. The sulphur also is increased. It renders 
the urine aseptic, and the salicyluric acid in that fluid will re- 
duce Fehling's Solution. The urine of patients taking it gives a 
purple color with [ferric] chloride. 

Salicylism. — In some persons to whom salicylic acid or its 
salt is given a train of symptoms is produced to which the above 
name has been applied. They are very like those produced by 
quinine. It is probable that the cause of at least some of them 
is the impurities existing in artificial salicylic acid, but it is stated 
that the natural acid may rarely give rise to them. Orthocreo- 
sotic acid is certainly toxic, metacreosotic acid has no action, and 
it is doubtful whether paracreosotic acid is toxic. The com- 
monest is deafness, which is often accompanied by ringing in 
the ears ; [these symptoms may be relieved by the administra- 
tion of a small amount of alcoholic stimulant fifteen minutes be- 
fore each dose.] Headache is also very frequent. The ad- 
ministration of the drug is usually stopped when these symptoms 
show themselves ; but if it is continued the patient becomes vio- 
lently delirious, there is nausea and vomiting, the face is flushed, 
and the other symptoms increase in severity. The pulse falls in 
both frequency and force, it becomes irregular, epistaxis is com- 
mon, and haemorrhages from other parts of the body have been 
recorded, such as hematuria and retinal haemorrhages. Albu- 
minuria without hematuria has been observed. One of the 
rarest symptoms is erythema or urticaria. Very large doses may 
cause the breathing to become weaker, and death may take place 
either from cessation of the heart or the respiratory movements. 

Therapeutics of Salicin, Salicylic Acid and of Sodium 
[and Lithium] Salicylates. 

External. — The ointment [official in B. P., 1 part of the 
acid to 9 of hard, and 18 of soft paraffin] may be used when an 



AXTIPERIODIC, ANTIPYRETIC, AND ANTISEPTIC DRUGS. 4/9 

antiseptic stimulating ointment is required. A collodion com- 
posed of salicylic acid, 1 ; flexible collodion, 8 ; or a glycerin 
containing to per cent, of salicylic acid; or a plaster, also 10 
per cent., are good preparations. Strong applications of sali- 
cylic acid are very useful for removing excess of epidermis, 
warts, or corns [because it softens epithelium] . Salicylic acid, 
11 ; extract of cannabis indica, 2 ; flexible collodion, 87 parts, 
form an excellent remedy (commonly known as green solution) 
for corns. Powdered salicylic acid mixed with starch or chalk 
may be employed to check profuse perspiration of the feet and 
axillae. The German Pharmacopoeia has for this purpose a Pulvis 
Salicylicus cum Talco (salicylic acid, 3 ; wheaten starch, 10 ; 
talc, in powder, 87). The sweats of phthisis may be treated in 
the same way. A little salicylic acid is often added to Thomp- 
son's fluid {see p. 275). [Salicylic acid is the principal ingre- 
dient in Thiersch's solution. For this formula see p. 275.] 

Internal. — Salicylic acid is a specific for [many cases of] 
rheumatic fever ; it lowers the temperature, lessens the swelling, 
leads to a rapid cessation of pain, and [may] diminish the 
liability to pericarditis and other complications. It must be 
given well diluted to prevent dyspepsia. The sodium salt is 
often preferred as being the most soluble, but in order to diminish 
the risk of salicylism it should be prepared either from pure arti- 
ficial or from natural salicylic acid. If the attack is severe, 20 
gr. [1.20 gm.] every two or three hours should be given for the 
first twelve or twenty-four hours ; then, if the patient is doing 
well, the frequency of the dose may be gradually diminished, but 
it should be continued thrice daily for ten days after the tem- 
perature is normal and the pain has ceased. Salicin is not so 
powerful as sodium salicylate, but it is said to be less depressant 
than the synthetic acid. 

These preparations are of no use for gout or severe osteo- 
arthritis, but occasionally the pains of chronic rheumatism are 
relieved. 

Salicylic acid or salicin may produce a fall of temperature in 
any fever, but, as we have more certain antipyretics, they are 
not used except for rheumatic fever. Some writers have found 



480 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

salicylic acid useful in migraine, sciatica, diabetes, and diph- 
theria, but it is probably of little value for these disorders. 
[The action of the salicylates in eliminating uric acid explains 
their usefulness in migraine and sciatica which is incontestible in 
some cases. So far as they limit intestinal fermentation they are 
beneficial in the treatment of diabetes. For the glycosuria of 
patients afflicted with gout or goutiness they are useful.] Sali- 
cylic acid has been given to render the urine acid in cases of alka- 
line urine and cystitis, but there are better remedies for this 
purpose. It has also been given in cases of gallstone with the 
object of rendering the urine less viscid. 

[Aspirin (not official) is acetyl salicylic acid, which occurs as 
a white, insoluble, crystalline powder, or in needles, of an agree- 
able taste. In an alkaline fluid it breaks up and sets free salicylic 
acid. It has been employed for acute polyarticular rheumatism 
in the same doses as sodium salicylate, over which it is believed 
to possess the advantage of not deranging digestion. 

OLEUM BETULA VOLATILE. 

VOLATILE OIL OF BETULA.— Synonym.— Oil of Sweet Birch. 
A volatile oil obtained by distillation from the bark of Betula lenta Linne 
(Sweet Birch) ; (nat. ord. Betulacecc). Habitat. — Northern United States. It 
is identical with Methyl Salicylate (CH 3 C.H 5 3 =i5i.64), and nearly identi- 
cal with Oil of Gaultheria. 

Characters. — It has the same properties and conforms to the same reac- 
tions and tests as Methyl Salicylate {see Methyl Salicylas ; also Oleum Gaul- 
theria; ). 

Dose, 1 to 5 m. ; .06 to .30 c.c. 

OLEUM GAULTHERIA. 

OIL OF GAULTHERIA.— Synonym.— Oil of Wintergreen. A vola- 
tile oil distilled from the leaves of Gaultheria procumbens Linn6 (Winter- 
green) ; (nat. ord. Ericacecz), consisting almost entirely of Methyl Salicylate 
(CH 3 C 7 H 5 3 =i5i.64) and nearly identical with Volatile Oil of Betula. 
Habitat. — North America, west to Minnesota, and south to Georgia. 

Characters. — A colorless or yellow, or occasionally reddish liquid, hav- 
ing a characteristic, strongly aromatic odor, and a sweetish, warm and aromatic 
taste. Sp. gr. : 1. 175 to 1. 185. Boiling point: 2l8 c to 221 C. (424-4° 
F. to 429. 8° F. ). It deviates polarized light slightly to the left. In other 



ANTIPERI0D1C, ANTIPYRETIC, AND ANTISEPTIC DRUGS. 48 1 

respects it has the same properties and conforms to the same reactions and 
tests as Methyl Salicylate [see Methyl Salicylas ; also Oleum Betulre Volatile). 
Dose, 1 to 5 m. ; .06 to .30 c.c. 

Preparation. 
Spiritus Gaultheriae. — Spirit of Gaultheria. Oil of Gaultheria, 
50 ; Alcohol, 950. 

Dose, 1 to 2 fl. dr. ; 4. to 8. c.c. 

METHYL SALICYLAS. 
METHYL SALICYLATE. — CH 3 C 7 H 5 3 =i5i. 64. Synonym.— 

Artificial (or Synthetic) Oil of Wintergreen. Methyl Salicylate, produced 
synthetically by distilling Salicylic Acid, or a Salicylate, with Methyl Alcohol 
and strong Sulphuric Acid. 

Characters. — A colorless or slightly yellowish liquid, having the char- 
acteristic, strongly aromatic odor and the sweetish, warm and aromatic taste 
of the Oil of Gaultheria, with the essential constituent of which it is identical. 
It is wholly identical with Volatile Oil of Betula {see Oleum Betulae Volatile). 
Sp. gr. : 1.183-1.185. Boiling point : 2i9°-22i° C. (426.2°-429.8° F.). It 
is optically inactive. Solubility. — In all proportions in Alcohol, Glacial Ace- 
tic Acid, or Carbon Disulphide. 

Dose, 1 to 5 m. ; .06 to .30 c.c. 

Action and Uses of Volatile Oil of Betula, Oil -of 
avlntergreen and methyl salicylate. 

The action of these substances is the same as of salicylic acid. 
When taken in moderate quantities, they are, like that acid, 
broken up and eliminated as salicyluric acid. It is asserted that 
methyl salicylate can be produced of more uniform quality and 
is more certain and definite in its action than either of the nat- 
ural oils. The uses of these drugs is the same as of salicylic 
acid, and they possess the additional advantage that they are not 
liable to contamination with impurities (ortho- and paracreosotic 
acids), the former of which is a powerful cardiac depressant ; 
both are found in the artificial salicylic acid.] 

SALOL. 
SALOL.— [C 6 H 5 C 7 H 5 3 =2I3.49. Synonym.-— Phenyl Salicylate. The 
Salicylic Ether of Phenol. 

Source. — By heating Salicylic Acid with Phenol in the presence of Phos- 
phorous Pentachloride ; this action dehydrates and withdraws the elements of 
water, and unites the Phenyl group with the Salicylic Acid radical. 

31 



482 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Characters. — A white, crystalline powder, odorless, or having a faintly 
aromatic odor, and almost tasteless. Permanent in the air. Solubility. — 
Almost insoluble in water ; soluble in 10 parts of Alcohol ; also soluble in 0.3 
part of Ether, and readily in Chloroform, and in fixed or volatile oils. 

Dose, 5 to 30 gr. ; .30 to 2.00 gm.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Salol. 

External. — It is an antiseptic, and when mixed with talc 
(1 to 5) may be used as a dusting powder. 

Internal. — In the body [presumably in the small intestine) 
salol splits up into [phenol, about 36, and salicylic acid, 64 
per cent.] and the former may render the urine dark. In rheu- 
matic fever it is efficacious on account of the salicylic acid it 
contains, [although somewhat slower in action] but it has no 
advantage over salicin or salicylic acid, and the carboluria may 
be troublesome. 

[It is an antiseptic, and since this decomposition takes place 
in the alkaline fluid, it has been used as an intestinal antiseptic 
in acute diarrhoea, dysentery, cholera and other diseases ; also in 
affections of the urinary tract.] For the last the following is a 
good way of prescribing it : — Salol, 1 ; Almond Oil, 2 ; Pow- 
dered Acacia, 1 ; Syrup, 2 ; water, 24. The emulsion should 
be made in a warm mortar with water at 150 F. [65. 5 ° C. 
It is a remedy of very great value in the treatment of typhoid 
fever, for by the active disinfection of the contents of the intes- 
tine and of the ulcerations, it favors their healing and prevents 
reinfection, thus lowering temperature, diminishing the liability 
to relapse and to permanent damage to tissues. It is the logical 
treatment, because it destroys the cause of the symptoms, at their 
point of origin. On account of the large proportion of phenol 
which it contains it is more dangerous than the corresponding 
amount of salicylic acid, and it is especially to be used with 
great caution if the kidneys are diseased. Sometimes, in fever, 
on account of the lessened alkalinity of the intestinal contents 
it is not decomposed into its constituents, and for that reason 
becomes very much less effective. In this case an alkali should 
be administered at the same time. 



VEGETABLE PURGATIVES. 483 

SALOPHEN. 

SALOPHEN. (Not official. )—C 6 H 4 (OH)C0 2 C 6 H 4 NHCOCH 3 =27o. 4 a 
Synonym. — Acetylparamidophenol Salicylate. 

Source. — From Paranitrophenol Salicylate by a complicated process, and 
purifying by crystallization from Alcohol. 

Characters. — Minute white scales, free from odor or taste. It contains 
50.9 per cent, of Salicylic Acid. Solubility. — Almost insoluble in water; 
freely soluble in Alkalies, Alcohol and Ether. 

Dose, 5 to 15 gr. ; .30 to 1.00 gm. 

Action and Uses of Salophen. 

In a warm alkaline solution salophen is broken up into sali- 
cylic acid and acetylparamidophenol, the latter being harmless. 
It is decomposed in the intestines, even when given hypoder- 
matically. It is used as a substitute for salicylic acid in acute 
rheumatism, and as an intestinal antiseptic. It is probably quite 
as efficient, and much safer than salol. The fact that it is taste- 
less renders it easy of administration.] 



GROUP V. 

Vegetable Purgatives. 

Class I. — Laxatives. 

Prune, Fig, Tamarind, Cassia [Fistula, Manna, Phytolacca, 
Eupatorium,] Castor Oil (small doses). 

Class II. — Simple purgatives. 

Castor Oil, Rhubarb, [Juglans,] Senna, Frangula, [Rhamnus Pur- 
shiana,] Aloes. 

Class III. — Drastic purgatives. 

Scammony, Jalap, [Bryonia,] Croton Oil, Colocynth, Elaterium, 
Gamboge. 

Class IV. — Cholagogues. 

Podophyllum, [Leptandra, Chelidonium, Iris,] Euonymus. 

Class I.— LAXATIVES. 

PRUNUM. 

PRUNE. — [The fruit of Prunus Domestica Linne (nat. ord. Rosacea)* 
Habitat. — Western Asia; cultivated in many varieties. 



4^4 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Characters. — Oblong or subglobular, about 3 cm. long, shrivelled 
blackish-blue, glaucous ; the sarcocarp brownish-yellow ; sweet and acidulous ; 
putamen hard, smooth, or irregularly ridged ; the seed almond-like in shape, 
but smaller, and of a bitter-almond taste. ] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Sugar, [12 to 15 per 
cent.], (2) Malic Acid, and (3) A purgative principle. 

Prunes are contained in Confectio Sennse. 

[Dose. — They can be administered freely.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Prunes. 

Prunes are demulcent and slightly laxative. They may be 
eaten as articles of diet in cases of slight constipation. [They 
are used as a corrective for senna in the confection.] 

FICUS. 

FIG. — [The fleshy receptacle of Ficus Carica Linne (nat. ord. Urticacea?), 
bearing fruit upon its inner surface. Habitat. — Western Asia; cultivated in 
subtropical countries. 

Characters. — Compressed, of irregular shape, fleshy, brownish or 
yellowish, covered with an efflorescence of sugar ; of a sweet, fruity odor, and 
a very sweet, mucilaginous taste. When softened in water, figs are pear- 
shaped, with a scar or short stalk at the base, and a small scaly orifice at the 
apex ; hollow internally ; the inner surface covered with numerous yellowish, 
hard achenes.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Sugar, 62 percent.; (2) 
Gum ; (3) [Fat and Salts.] 

Figs are contained in Confectio Sennae. 

[Dose. — They can be administered freely.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Figs. 

Figs are a pleasant food and mildly purgative, forming a con- 
venient remedy for slight constipation. 

TAMARINDUS. 

TAMARIND. — [The preserved pulp of the fruit of Tamarindus indica 
Linne (nat. ord. Legu??iinosce). Habitat. — India and tropical Africa ; natur- 
alized in the West Indies. 

Characters. — A reddish -brown, sweet, subacid, pulpy mass, containing 
strong, somewhat branching fibres, and polished, brown, flattish-quadrangular 
seeds, each enclosed in a tough membrane ; taste sweet and refreshingly 
acidulous. ] 



VEGETABLE PURGATIVES. 485 

Impurity. — Copper. 

Composition. — (1) Tartaric, [Citric, Malic and Acetic Acids ; (2) Sugar; 
(3) Pectin ; (4) Tannic acid and (5) Potassium compounds.] 
Tamarind is contained in Confectio Sennse. 
[Dose. — It can be administered freely.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Tamarind. 

Tamarind is pleasant and acid to the taste, and a mild laxa- 
tive. It may be made into tamarind whey (1 part of tamarind 
to 30 of milk) and given as an acid, cooling, slightly purgative 
drink in fevers. It is a good purgative for children, and may be 
spread on bread and batter. 

CASSIA [FISTULA]. 

CASSIA [FISTULA.— Synonym.— Purging Cassia. The fruit of 
Cassia Fistula Linne (nat. ord. Leguminosce). Habitat. — East India ; natural- 
ized in tropical Africa and America. 

Characters. — Cylindrical, 40 to 60 cm. long, nearly 25 mm. in diameter, 
blackish-brown, somewhat veined, the sutures smooth, forming two longitudi- 
nal bands ; indehiscent, internally divided transversely into numerous cells, 
each containing a reddish-brown, glossy, flattish-ovate seed imbedded in a 
blackish- brown, sweet pulp ; odor resembling that of prunes.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) A purgative principle, 
closely allied to Cathartic Acid. {See Senna, p. 492.) [(2) Sennapicrin, a 
Glucoside, C 34 H 58 1T .] (3) Sugar, 60 per cent. (4) [Pectin. (5) Calcium 
Oxalate. ] 

Cassia Fistula is contained in Confectio Sennse. 

[Dose, 1 to 8 dr. ; 4. to 30. gm.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Cassia Fistula. 

[The pulp is administered as] a laxative, given only in con- 
fection of senna. 

[MANNA. 

MANNA. — The concrete, saccharine exudation of Fraxinus Ornus 
Linne (nat. ord. Oleacece). Habitat. — Basin of the Mediterranean. 

Characters. — In flattish, somewhat three-edged pieces, occasionally 20 
cm. long, and 5 cm. broad, usually smaller; friable; externally yellowish- 
white, internally white, porous and crystalline ; or in fragments of different 
sizes, brownish-white and somewhat glutinous on the surface, internally white 
and crystalline : odor honey-like ; taste sweet, slightly bitter and faintly acrid. 



486 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Mannit, C 6 H g (OH) 6 , 90 
per cent. (2) Glucose. (3) Fraxin, C 32 H 36 O 20 . (4) Mucilage. (5) Resin. 
Manna is contained in Infusum Sennse Compositum. 
Dose, % to 2 oz. ; 15. to 60. gm. 

Action and Therapeutics of Manna. 

Manna is given as a mild laxative to children. It dissolves 
easily in milk, and is pleasant to the taste. 

PHYTOLACCA. 

PHYTOLACCA FRUCTUS.— Phytolacca Fruit. Synonym.— Vote 
Berry. The fruit of Phytolacca decandra Linne (nat. ord. Phytolaccacece.} 
Habitat. — North America ; naturalized in Europe. 

Characters. — A depressed globular, dark purple compound berry, about 
8 mm. in diameter, composed of ten carpels, each containing one lenticular, 
black seed ; juice purplish red ; inodorous ; taste sweet, slightly acrid. 

Constituents. — (1) Phytolaccin. (2) Phytolaccic Acid. (3) Sugar. 
(4) Gum. 

Dose, 5 to 30 gr. ; .30 to 2.00 gm. 

PHYTOLACCA RADIX. — Phytolacca Root. Synonym.— Tote 
Root. The root of Phytolacca decandra Linne (nat. ord. Phytolaccacea;). 

Characters. — Large, conical, branched and fleshy ; mostly in transverse 
or longitudinal slices, wrinkled, grayish, hard ; fracture fibrous, the wood- 
bundles in several distinct, concentric circles ; inodorous ; taste sweetish and 
acrid. 

Constituents. — (1) Resin. (2) Probably a Glucoside. (3) A volatile 
acid. 

Dose, 1 to 5 gr. ; .06 to .30 gm. 

Preparation. 

Extractum Phytolacca Radicis Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of 
Phytolacca Root. By maceration and percolation with Alcohol and 
water, and evaporation. 

Dose, 5 to 30 m. ; .30 to 2.00 c.c. 

Action and Uses of Phytolacca. 

Phytolacca is used as a laxative, and in large doses it possesses 
also some narcotic properties. Recently a preparation made 
from the berries has been used to reduce adipose tissue. 



VEGETABLE PURGATIVES. 48/ 

EUPATORIUM. 

EUPATORIUM. — Synonyms. — Thoroughwort. Boneset. The leaves 
and flowering tops of Eupatorhim perfoliatum Linne (nat. ord. Composites). 
Habitat. — North America, west to Dakota ; in low grounds. 

Characters. — Leaves opposite, united at the base, lanceolate, from 10 to 
15 cm. long, tapering, crenately serrate, rugosely veined, rough above, downy 
and resinous dotted beneath ; flower heads corymbed, numerous, with an 
oblong involucre of lance-linear scales, and with from ten to fifteen white 
florets, having a bristly pappus in a single row ; odor weak and aromatic ; 
taste astringent and bitter. 

Composition. — Its principal constituents are — (1) Eupatorin, a bitter 
glucoside. (2) Volatile Oil. (3) Resin. 

Dose, ^ to 1 dr. ; 1. to 4. gm. 

Preparation. 
Extractum Eupatorii Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Eupatorium. 
By maceration and percolation with diluted Alcohol, and evaporation. 
Dose, yl to 1 fl. dr. ; 1. to 4. c.c. 

Action and Uses of Thoroughwort. 

Thoroughwort is tonic, diaphoretic (in infusion), and mildly 
laxative. It is a domestic remedy for the commencement of a 
catarrh, influenza, or muscular rheumatism.] 

Class II.— SIMPLE PURGATIVES. 

OLEUM RICINI. 

CASTOR OIL. — [A fixed oil expressed from the seed of Ricinus com- 
munis Linne (nat. ord. Euphorbiacece). Habitat. — India ; cultivated. 

Characters. — A pale yellowish or almost colorless, transparent, viscid 
liquid, having a faint, mild odor, and a bland, afterwards slightly acrid, and 
generally offensive taste. Sp. gr., 0.950 to 0.970. Solubility. — In an equal 
volume of Alcohol, and, in all proportions, in absolute Alcohol, or in glacial 
Acetic Acid ; also soluble in 3 times its volume of a mixture of 19 volumes 
of Alcohol and 1 volume of water (absence of more than about 5 per cent, 
of most other fixed oils). 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Ricinolein, C3H 5 (C 18 H 34 
0*3)3, which is the Ricinoleic Acid (C 18 H 34 3 ), Glyceride.] This constitutes 
the chief bulk. (2) Other fixed oils, as palmitin, stearin, etc. (3) Possibly 
an alkaloid, Ricinine, not purgative. (4) According to some authorities an 
active principle which has not yet been isolated. 

[Castor oil is contained in Collodium Flexile, Linimentum Sinapis Com- 
positum, Pilulae Antimonii Composite and Unguentum Hydrargyri Oxidi Rubri. 

Dose, ^ to 2 fl. 02. ; 8. to 60. c.c] 



488 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Castor oil seeds are not official, but it is important to recognize them. 
They are [17 mm.] long and [8 mm.] wide, ovoid, flattened. The seed is 
prolonged into a sharp beak. Epidermis shiny gray, marked by brownish 
bands and spots. Kernel white. They contain 50 per cent, of the oil, and 
an acrid substance which makes them poisonous. Three Castor oil seeds have 
been known to kill an adult man. [Quite likely the seeds are not poisonous 
when matured. ] 

Action of Castor Oil. 

External. — Castor oil is, like olive oil, protective and 
sedative, and may be used to drop into the eye when the con- 
junctiva is inflamed, and as a solvent for homatropine, but this 
solution is occasionally a little irritating. 

Internal. — Gastro-intestinal tract. — The so-called [unpleas- 
ant taste] of castor oil is mostly due to the smell, and is not 
noticed much if the nose is held when the oil is drunk. Medici- 
nal doses produce no effect on the stomach. Reaching the in- 
testine the oil is an excellent simple laxati>46 or mild purga- 
tive, acting in about five hours, and causing no griping nor sub- 
sequent constipation. The motion is soft, but not liquid. Castor 
oil will purge even when rubbed into the skin. How it acts is 
unknown [but it is said to stimulate unstriped muscular fibre 
whenever found.] It has been thought that the [ricinolein 
(ricinoleic acid glyceride)] in the oil is decomposed in the duo- 
denum, and the ricinoleic acid purges, but this is probably in- 
correct. The most likely view is that the oil contains some 
purgative principle which has not yet been isolated. Probably 
the seeds contain much more of this than the oil, for they are 
ten times more purgative, a fact which it is impossible to explain 
if it is the ricinoleic acid which purges. Castor oil will purge 
when given per rectum. 

Mammary glands. — [The leaves] applied locally to the breasts 
are said to be galactagogue. 

Therapeutics of Castor Oil. 

Castor oil is perhaps the best simple purgative we have, and 
is very useful in cases in which there is slight temporary consti- 
pation. Being mild in its action it is very suitable for getting 
rid of undigested food that is causing diarrhoea, and a dose of 



VEGETABLE PURGATIVES. 489 

castor oil with a minute quantity of laudanum in it is a favorite 
remedy for certain forms of diarrhoea. It is also especially con- 
venient in pregnancy, after delivery, and when in any abdominal 
disease, as typhoid fever, peritonitis, or when, after abdominal 
operations, the irritation caused by the feces makes it absolutely 
necessary to get the bowels open. Also, it is very useful for 
children, or for very old or infirm persons, or for those suffering 
from piles or fissures. It is a good purgative to give before and 
after the use of anthelmintics [aspidium being excepted. It 
should not be given during the later months of pregnancy owing 
to its action on unstriped muscle fibres.] 

Its [nauseous taste] is the only objection to it. As already 
mentioned, this can largely be overcome by holding the nose, 
and there are many forms of castor oil in the market so prepared 
as to be almost colorless and odorless. It may be taken in cap- 
sules, but they are bulky. Lemon juice or coffee conceals the 
taste to some extent, or the oil may be added to a teaspoonful 
[4. c.c] of peppermint water, and then a little brandy added till 
the oil neither sinks nor [floats] . If the inside and rim of the 
glass are moistened with the vehicle, the oil, which should, if 
possible, be between two layers of the vehicle, is hardly tasted. 
[It is best administered in the beverage known as sarsaparilla.] 

As an enema (castor oil, 1 ; warm olive oil, 5 ; mixed thor- 
oughly) it is useful when a mild injection is required. 

Breasts. — The leaves of the castor-oil plant applied to the 
breasts will sometimes induce the secretion of milk. A fluid ex- 
tract of them [not official] may also be taken three or four times 

a day. 

RHEUM. 

RHUBARB. — [The root of Rheum officinale Baillon (nat. ord. Poly- 
gonacece). Habitat. — Western and Central China. 

Characters. — In cylindrical, conical or flattish segments, deprived of the 
dark brown, corky layer, smoothish or somewhat wrinkled, externally covered 
with a bright yellowish-brown powder, marked with white, elongated meshes, 
containing a white, rather spongy tissue, and a number of short reddish-brown 
or brownish-yellow striae; compact, hard ; fracture uneven ; internally white, 
with numerous red, irregularly curved and interrupted medullary rays, which 
are radially parallel only near the cambium line ; odor somewhat peculiar, 
aromatic; taste bitter, somewhat astringent. 



490 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (i) Chrysophan, C 2Y H 30 O u , 
which yields Chrysophanic Acid, C 15 H 10 O 4 , about 3 per cent. Synonyms, — 
Rhein. Chrysarobin, see Chrysarobinum. ] It is not known whether, [in the 
living plant], Rhubarb contains any Chrysophanic Acid, for when kept the 
Chrysophan quickly oxidizes to Chrysophanic Acid. The purgative properties 
are due to Chrysophan which also gives the yellow color. (2) [Erythroretin. 
(3) Emodin. (4) Phceoretin. ($) Aporetin.'] (6j Rheotannic Acid, C 26 H 26 O u , 
to which the astringency of Rhubarb is due. (7) Lime Oxalate, 35 per cent., 
to which the grittiness is due. 

Impurities. — English Rhubarb ; different taste, smell, and excess of 
starch. Turmeric, which is turned brown by Boric Acid. 

Dose, 1 to 5 gr. ; [.06 to .30 gm. (stomachic) ; 10 to 30 gr. ; .60 to 2.00 
gm.] (purgative). 

Preparations. 

1. Extractum Rhei. — [Extract of Rhubarb. By percolation with 
Alcohol and Water, and evaporation. 

Dose, 3 to 5 gr. ; .20 to 1.00 gm. 

2. Extractum Rhei Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Rhubarb. By 
maceration and percolation with Alcohol and Water, and evaporation. 
Fluid Extract of Rhubarb is used to make Mistura Rhei et Sodae and 
Syrupus Rhei. 

Dose, % to 1 fl. dr. ; 1. to 4. c.c. 

3. Pilulae Rhei. — Pills of Rhubarb. Rhubarb, 20; Soap, 6 gm., 
to make 100 pills. Each pill contains 3 gr. ; .20 gm. of Rhubarb. 

Dose, 3 to 5 pills. 

4. Pilulae Rhei Compositse. — Compound Pills of Rhubarb. Rhu- 
barb, 13 ; Purified Aloes, 10 ; Myrrh, 6 gm. ; Oil of Peppermint, 0.5 
c.c, to make 100 pills. Each pill contains 2 gr. ; . 13 gm. of Rhubarb. 
Dose, 1 to 3 pills. 

5. Pulvis Rhei Compositus. — Compound Powder of Rhubarb. 
Synonym. — Gregory's powder. Rhubarb, 25 ; Magnesia, 65 ; Ginger, 
10. 

Dose, yi to 1 dr. ; 2. to 4. gm. 

6. Tinctura Rhei. — Tincture of Rhubarb. Rhubarb, 100 ; Car- 
damom, 20 ; Glycerin, 1 00 ; Alcohol and Water to 1000 ; by macera- 
tion and percolation. 

Dose, yi to 1 fl. dr. ; 2. to 4. c.c. (stomachic) ; 1 to 4 fl. dr.; 4. 
to 15. c.c. (purgative). 

7. Tinctura Rhei Aromatica. — Aromatic Tincture of Rhubarb. 
Rhubarb, 200; Cassia Cinnamon, 40; Cloves, 40; Nutmeg, 20; Gly- 
cerin, 100 ; Diluted Alcohol, to 1000. By maceration and percolation. 



VEGETABLE PURGATIVES. 49 I 

Aromatic Tincture of Rhubarb is used to make Syrupus Rhei Aro- 
maticus. 

Dose, 1 to 3 fl. dr. ; 4. to 12. c.c. 

8. Tinctura Rhei Dulcis. — Sweet Tincture of Rhubarb. Rhu- 
barb, 100 ; Glycyrrhiza, 40 ; Anise, 40 ; Cardamom, 10 ; Glycerin, 100 ; 
Diluted Alcohol to 1000. By maceration and percolation. 

Dose, )/ z to 1 fl. oz. ; 15. to 30. c.c. 

g. Mistura Rhei et Sodae. — Mixture of Rhubarb and Soda. So- 
dium Bicarbonate, 35 ; Fluid Extract of Rhubarb, 15 ; Fluid Extract of 
Ipecac, 3 ; Spirit of Peppermint, 25 ; Glycerin, 350 ; Water to 1000. 
By solution. 

Dose, }( to 2 fl. oz. ; 8. to 60. c.c. 

10. Syrupus Rhei. — Syrup of Rhubarb. Fluid Extract of Rhu- 
barb, 100 ; Potassium Carbonate, 10 ; Spirit of Cinnamon, 4 ; Glyce- 
rin, 50 ; Water and Syrup to 1000. By solution. 

Dose, 1 to 4 fl. dr. ; 4. to 15. c.c. 

11. Syrupus Rhei Aromaticus.— Aromatic Syrup of Rhubarb. 
Aromatic Tincture of Rhubarb, 150 ; Syrup, 850. By mixture. 

Dose, 1 fl. dr. ; 4. c.c. for a child.] 

Action of Rhubarb. 

External. — Probably rhubarb would have, to a mild degree, 
the same action as [chrysarobin] , but it is never applied ex- 
ternally. 

Internal. — Alimentary canal. — In the mouth, rhubarb in- 
creases the flow of saliva ; and in the stomach, in small doses, it, 
like any other bitter substance, stimulates the flow of gastric 
juice, and the vascularity and peristaltic movements of the 
stomach. It is, therefore, a stomachic, and will aid digestion. 
In large doses it causes purgation, producing in from four to 
eight hours a liquid motion, colored yellow by the [chrysarobin] . 
The resinous constituents of rhubarb are said to increase the flow 
of bile, but certainly its cholagogue action is not sufficiently 
powerful to explain completely its purgative properties. It is 
commonly stated to exaggerate very actively intestinal peristalsis, 
but there is no adequate proof of this. It is liable to gripe. The 
purgation is followed by constipation ; this is ascribed to the 
rheotannic acid : if so, it is probably absorbed and subsequently 



492 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

re- excreted into the intestines, otherwise it would be all swept 
away in the purging. 

Kidneys. — The coloring matter is excreted in the urine, and 
stains it yellow. The urinary flow is slightly increased. 

Therapeutics of Rhubarb. 

Rhubarb is commonly given to children as a stomachic pur- 
gative in indigestion, especially when caused by errors of diet, 
for it clears away any undigested food, and its stomachic and 
after- astringent effects are valuable. In the same way it is useful 
in diarrhoea due to irritation caused by undigested food ; here 
the after-astringency is especially serviceable. A powder of 
powdered rhubarb and sodium bicarbonate (which [conceals] the 
taste) equal parts, with some powdered gentian, or a similar 
[liquid] medicine, forms an excellant stomachic for young chil- 
dren. Rhubarb should never be given alone, because of the 

griping it causes. 

[JUGLANS. 

JUGLANS. — Synonym. — Butternut. The bark of the root of Juglans 
cinerea Linne (nat. ord. Juglandacecs) , collected in autumn. Habitat. — North 
America. 

Characters. — In flat or curved pieces, about 5 mm - thick ; the outer 
surface dark gray and nearly smooth, or deprived of the soft cork and deep 
brown ; the inner surface smooth and striate ; transverse fracture short, deli- 
cately checkered, whitish and brown ; odor, feeble ; taste bitter and somewhat 
acrid. 

Composition. — (1) Nucin, C 10 H 6 O 8 . (2) Juglandic Acid. (3) Fixed 
Oil, 4 per cent. 

Dose, 1 to 2 dr. ; 4. to 8. gm. 

Preparation. 
Extractum Juglandis. — Extract of Juglans. By maceration and 
percolation with Diluted Alcohol, and evaporation. 
Dose, 5 to 30 gr. ; .30 to 2.00 gm. 

Action and Uses of Butternut. 

Butternut is a mild cathartic, and resembling rhubarb in the 
property of evacuating, without debilitating, the alimentary 
canal. It was much employed during the war of the Revolution.] 



VEGETABLE PURGATIVES. 493 



SENNA. 



SENNA. — [The leaflets of Cassia acutifolia Delile (Alexandria Senna), 
and of Cassia angustifolia Vahn (India Senna) ; (nat. ord. Leguminosce). 

Characters. — Alexandria Senna consists of leaflets about 25 mm. 
long and 10 mm. broad, lanceolate, or lance-oval, subcoriaceous, brittle, rather 
pointed, equally oblique at the base, entire, grayish-green, somewhat pubes- 
cent, of a peculiar odor, and a nauseous, bitter taste. Habitat. — Eastern and 
Central Africa.] 

Resembling Senna. — Argel leaves (the leaves of Solenostemma Argel 
[Hayne, (nat. ord. Asclepiadece), which are frequently present ; these leaves 
are thicker, one-veined, wrinkled, glaucous] and are equal at the base, as 
also are the leaves of Uva Ursi and Buchu. 

[India Senna. — Synonym. — Tinnivelly Senna. Consists of leaflets from 
3 to 5 cm. long and 10 to 15 mm. broad ; lanceolate, acute, unequally oblique 
at the base, entire, thin, yellowish green or dull green, nearly smooth ; odor 
peculiar, somewhat tea-like ; taste mucilaginous, bitter and nauseous. Habitat. 
— Eastern Africa to India ; cultivated. 

Impurities. — Stalks, discolored leaves, and other admixtures.] 
Composition of Both Kinds. — The chief constituents are — (1) Cathar- 
tic Acid, C 180 H 192 N 82 SO 2 , an amorphous sulphurated Glucoside. It exists as 
salts of earthy bases, such as Calcium and Magnesium, which are soluble in 
water. Cathartic Acid is capable of decomposition into Glucose and Cathar- 
togenic Acid. It is the chief purgative principle in Senna and other purgatives. 

(2) \_Se1inacr0l and Sennapicrin, C 34 H 58 17 ,] glucosides, which do not, in 
most preparations, contribute to their action, as they are insoluble in water. 

(3) Chrysophanic Acid in small amounts as a coloring matter (see Rhubarb 
and Chrysarobinum). (4) Cathartomannit, [C 21 H tt 19 , a peculiar unfer- 
mentable] sugar. 

Dose, 1 to 3 dr. ; [4. to 12. gm.] 

Preparations. 

1. Confectio Sennae. — [Confection of Senna. Senna, 100 ; Oil 
of Coriander, 5; Fig, 120; Tamarind, 100 ; Cassia Fistula, 160; 
Prune, 70 ; Sugar, 555 ; Water to make 1000. By sifting, digestion 
and evaporation. 

Dose, 1 to 2 dr. ; 4. to 8. gm. 

2. Extractum Sennae Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Senna. By 
maceration, percolation with Diluted Alcohol, and evaporation. 

Fluid Extract of Senna is used to prepare Syrupus Sarsaparillae 
Compositus. 

Dose, 1 to 3 fl. dr.; 4. to 12. c.c. 

3. Infusum Sennae Compositum. — Compound Infusion oi 
Senna. Synonym. — Black Draught. Senna, 60 ; Manna, 120; Mag- 



494 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

nesium Sulphate, 120; Fennel, 20; Boiling Water, 500; Cold Water 
to 1000. 

Dose, 1 to 2 fl. oz. ; 30. to 60. c.c. 

4. Pulvis Glycyrrhizae Compositus. — Compound Powder of 
Glycyrrhiza. Synonym. — Compound Liquorice Powder. Senna, 180; 
Glycyrrhiza, 236 ; Oil of Fennel, 4 ; Washed Sulphur, 80 ; Sugar, 
500. 

Dose, )4 to 2 dr. ; 2. to 8. gm. 

5. Syrupus Sennae. — Syrup of Senna. Alexandria Senna, 25 ; 
Oil of Coriander, 5 ; Sugar, 700 ; Alcohol, 150; Water to 1000. By 
digestion, straining, evaporation and nitration. 

Dose, ^f to 1 fl. oz. ; 8. to 30. c.c] 

Action of Senna. 

External. — None. 

Internal. — Senna, because of the cathartic acid in it, stimu- 
lates the muscular coat of the intestine, especially the colon, and 
produces some hyperemia. Consequently the fluid contents of 
the small intestine are hurried through the colon, and pale yellow 
watery stools, containing some undigested food, are the result. 
Senna acts very feebly or not at all on the biliary secretion. 
Large doses open the bowels several times and produce griping, 
but not much hyperemia. Probably there are other substances 
in senna, besides cathartic acid, having a purgative property, 
but it is by far the most important. Purgation by senna does 
not subsequently cause constipation. Some constituents of it 
are absorbed, and may cause the urine to be red. It will purge, 
if injected into the veins, and will impart its purgative proper- 
ties to the milk of nursing women. 

Therapeutics of Senna. 

Senna is a safe, useful purgative for cases of simple constipa- 
tion. It is, because of its tendency to gripe and its nauseous 
taste, rarely given alone. The compound liquorice powder is to 
be preferred to the compound infusion of senna ("black 
draught "), as this is a [disagreeable] mixture. Senna is largely 
used to complete the effect of duodenal purgatives, as we see in 
the old prescription of a blue pill at night and a black draught 



VEGETABLE PURGATIVES. 49 5 

in the morning. Acting on the colon , it is valuable in slight 
cases of faecal collection. Compound liquorice powder is much 
used in habitual constipation and the constipation of pregnancy. 
Confection of senna, coated with chocolate, forms the well- 
known purgative, Tamar Indien, and in this form can be taken 
by children. It is said that an infusion contains more of the 
active principles than the other preparations ; it soon decom- 
poses, but nitre [i to 480] will prevent this. 

FRANGULA. 

[FRANGULA. — Synonym. — Buckthorn. The bark of Rhamnus Fran- 
gula Linne (nat. ord. Rhamnea), collected at least one year before being used. 
Habitat. — Europe and Northern Asia. 

Characters. — Quilled, about I mm. thick ; outer surface grayish-brown; 
or blackish-brown, with numerous small, whitish, transversely elongated lenti- 
cels ; inner surface smooth, pale, brownish-yellow ; fracture in the outer layer 
short, of a purplish tint ; in the inner layer fibrous and pale yellow ; when 
masticated, coloring the saliva yellow ; nearly inodorous ; taste sweetish and 
bitter. 

Composition. — Fresh bark contains a glucoside, Frangulin, C 20 H. 20 O 10 . 
This in the old bark has become converted into Fmodin, C J5 H 10 O 5 (also found 
in Rhubarb), to which the value of the bark is due. Two products are ob- 
tained from Frangulin by hydrolysis, Fmodin and R/iamnose, C 6 H 12 5 . 

Dose, y 2 to 1 dr. ; 2. to 4. gm. 

Preparation. 
Extractum Frangulae Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Frangula. 
By maceration and percolation with Alcohol and Water, and evaporation. 
Dose, y 2 to 2 fl. dr. ; 2. to 8. c.c. 

Action and Therapeutics of Frangula. 
The fresh bark is a violent gastro -intestinal irritant, but 
that which has been kept a year is a mild laxative, acting like 
senna ; it is suitable for children, and for use in chronic con- 
stipation. 

RHAMNUS PURSHIANA.] 

CASCARA SAGRADA.— Synonyms.— Sacred Bark. [Chittem Bark. 
The bark of Rhamnus Purshiana De Candolle (nat. ord. Rhamnece). Hab- 
itat. — Northern Idaho, and westward to the Pacific Coast. 

Characters. — In quills or curved pieces, about 3 to 10 cm. long, and 
about 2 mm. thick ; outer surface brownish gray and whitish ; the young bark 
having numerous, rather broad, pale-colored warts ; inner surface yellowish to 



496 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

light brownish, becoming dark brown by age ; smooth or finely striate ; fracture 
short, yellowish, in the inner layer of thick bark somewhat fibrous ; inodorous ; 
taste bitter. ] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Cascarin, [a glucoside 
said to be identical with Frangulin {see above). (2) Three resins. (3) Acids. 
(4) A volatile oil. The fresh bark causes much griping, but this unpleasant 
effect is lost if the bark is kept and properly cured.] 

Dose, %. to 1 dr. ; [1. to 4. gm.] 

Preparation. 

Extractum [Rhamni Purshianae Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of 
Rhamnus Purshiana. By maceration and percolation with Diluted 
Alcohol, and evaporation. 

Dose, % to 1 fl. dr. ; 1. to 4. c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Cascara Sagrada. 

Cascara Sagrada is a simple laxative and aperient, not 
causing much griping, and resembling in its action [buckthorn], 
but it is more certain and more active. The bitter principle gives 
it stomachic properties. It is very serviceable for constipation, 
especially if chronic. A single dose may either be taken in the 
evening, or 10 to 15 minims; .60 to 1.00 c.c, of the fluid ex- 
tract may be given three times a day before meals. One advan- 
tage of its use is that gradually increasing doses are not required. 
The [fluid] extract is very bitter ; this taste may be concealed by 
aromatics, liquorice or sal volatile, and it may be given in chloro- 
form water. The aromatic syrup [B. P.] conceals the taste very 
well. [This consists of the fluid extract, 8 ; tincture of orange, 
2 ; alcohol, 1 ; cinnamon water, 3 ; syrup, 6.] A preparation 
known as Tinctura Laxativa, dose 20 to 60 m. [1.20 to 4.00 
c.c] (Extractum [Rhamni Purshianae Fluidum], Spiritus Am- 
monias Aromaticus, Spiritus Chloroformi, Tinctura Belladonnas 
[Foliorum], Tinctura Nucis Vomicae, equal parts of each), is 
miscible with water, and is a pleasant simple purge which is 
especially useful for chronic constipation and may cure it. 

ALOE. 

ALOE BARBADENSIS.— Barbadoes Aloes. [Synonym.— Curacoa 
Aloes. The inspissated juice of the leaves of Aloe vera (Linne) Webb (nat. 
ord. Liliacece). Habitat. — Island of Barbadoes. 



VEGETABLE PURGATIVES. 497 

Characters. — In hard masses, orange-brown, opaque, translucent on the 
edges ; fracture waxy or resinous, somewhat conchoidal ; odor saffron-like ; 
taste strongly bitter. 

Dose, y 2 to 10 gr. ; .03 to .60 gm.] 

ALOE SOCOTRINA.— Socotrine Aloes. [The inspissated juice of 
the leaves of Aloe Perryi Baker (nat. ord. Liliacece). Habitat. — Eastern 
Africa. 

Characters. — In hard masses, occasionally soft in the interior, opaque, 
yellowish-brown, orange-brown or dark ruby-red, not greenish, translucent on 
the edges ; fracture resinous, somewhat conchoidal. When breathed upon, it 
emits a fragrant saffron-like odor. Taste peculiar, strongly bitter. Solubility. 
— Almost entirely soluble in Alcohol and in 4 parts of boiling water. The 
aqueous solution becomes turbid on cooling and yields a deposit. Moistened 
with Alcohol and examined in a thin stratum under the microscope, Socotrine 
Aloes exhibits numerous crystals. Socotrine Aloes is less deep in color, less 
opaque, its powder is brighter and more reddish, and its odor is not nearly so 
disagreeable as that of Barbadoes Aloes. Some specimens of Socotrine Aloes 
are more or less opaque and liver-colored, and then are called Hepatic Aloes.] 
The variety known as Zanzibar Aloes is included under Socotrine Aloes. 

Composition. — (1) Aloin, see p. 498. (2) A Resin. (3) A trace of Gallic 
Acid. (4) A trace of a volatile oil giving the odor. Resembling Aloes. — Resins 
of Jalap, Guaiacum [and Catechu.] 

Dose, y z to 10 gr. ; [.03 to .60 gm.] 

Preparations. 

1. [Aloe Purificata. — Purified Aloes. Socotrine Aloes, 1000 ; 
Alcohol, 200. Heat, strain, and evaporate. 

Characters. — In irregular, brittle pieces, of a dull brown or red- 
dish-brown color, and having the peculiar, aromatic odor of Socotrine 
Aloes. It is almost entirely soluble in Alcohol. 

Purified Aloes are contained in Extractum Colocynthidis Composi- 
tum, Pilulae Rhei Compositse and Tinctura Benzoini Composita. 

Dose, y z to 10 gr. ; .03 to .60 gm. 

2. Extractum Aloes. — Extract of Aloes. Socotrine Aloes ; by 
disintegration by boiling in distilled water ; filtration and evaporation. 

Dose, y z to 3 gr. ; .03 to .20 gm. 

3. Pilulae Aloes.— Pills of Aloes. Purified Aloes, 13 ; Soap, 13 
gm. ; to make 100 pills. Each pill contains 2 gr. ; .13 gm., of Aloes. 

Dose, 1 to 4 pills. 

4. Pilulae Aloes et Asafcetidae.— Pills of Aloes and Asafetida. 
Purified Aloes, 9 ; Asafetida, 9 ; Soap, 9 gm. ; to make 100 pills. 
Each pill contains iy gr. ; .09 gm., of Aloes. 

Dose, 1 to 5 pills. 

32 



49$ ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

5. Pilulae Aloes et Ferri. — Pills of Aloes and Iron. Purified 
Aloes, 7 ; Dried Ferrous Sulphate, 7 ; Aromatic Powder, 7 gm. ; Con- 
fection of Rose, a sufficient quantity to make 100 pills. Each pill 
contains about I gr. ; .07 gm., of Aloes. 

Dose, 1 to 4 pills. 

6. Pilulae Aloes et Mastiches. — Pills of Aloes and Mastic. 
Synonym. — Lady Webster's pill. Purified Aloes, 13 ; Mastic, 4 ; Red 
Rose, 3 gm. ; to make 100 pills. Each pill contains 2 gr. ; .13 gm., 
of Aloes. 

Dose, 1 to 3 pills. 

7. Pilulae Aloes et Myrrhae. — Pills of Aloes and Myrrh. Puri- 
fied Aloes, 13 ; Myrrh, 6 ; Aromatic Powder, 4 gm. ; Syrup, a sufficient 
quantity to make 100 pills. Each pill contains 2 gr. ; .13 gm., of Aloes. 

Dose, 2 to 10 pills. 

8. Tinctura Aloes. — Tincture of Aloes. Purified Aloes, 100; 
Liquorice Root, 200. Macerate with Diluted Alcohol and percolate to 
1000. 

Dose, % to 1 fi. dr. ; 1. to 4. c.c. 

9. Tinctura Aloes et Myrrhae. — Tincture of Aloes and Myrrh. 
Synonym. — Elixir Proprietatis Paracelsi. Purified Aloes, 100 ; Myrrh, 
100 ; Liquorice Root, loo. Macerate with Alcohol and Water, and 
percolate to 1000. 

Dose, 1 to iy z fl. dr. ; 4. to 10. c.c] 

ALOINUM. — Aloin. [A neutral principle obtained from several varie- 
ties of Aloes, chiefly Barbadoes Aloes (yielding Barb a loin) and Socotrine 
Aloes (yielding Socaloin), — differing more or less in chemical composition and 
physical properties according to the source from which it is derived. Besides 
these varieties we have Nataloin (Natal) and Zanaloin (Zanzibar). 

Barbaloin, C ]7 H 20 O 7 , is soluble in about 60 parts of water, 20 parts of 
Alcohol, or 470 parts of Ether. 

Socaloin, C 15 H 16 7 , is soluble in about 60 parts of water, 30 parts of abso- 
lute Alcohol, 380 parts of Ether, or 9 parts of Acetic Ether. 

Characters. — Minute, acicular crystals, or a microcrystalline powder, 
varying in color from yellow to yellowish-brown, odorless or possessing a 
slight odor of Aloes, a characteristic bitter taste, and permanent in the air. 

Dose, )/ 2 to 2 gr. ; .03 to .12 gm.] 

Action of Aloes. 

External. — Aloes has no external action on the unbroken 
skin, but it can be absorbed from a raw surface, for aloes sprin- 



VEGETABLE PURGATIVES. 499 

kled on an ulcer, to which it is a slight stimulant, will lead to 
purging. 

Internal. — Gastro-intestinal tract. — In the stomach the 
bitter principle of aloes causes it to act as a stomachic, like 
other bitters. In the intestine it increases the rate of the flow 
of bile, and probably the amount secreted. It produces little 
influence in the small intestine, but the muscular coat of the 
colon is powerfully stimulated, and the intestinal secretion 
from that part slightly accelerated. Aloes, therefore, purges, 
and naturally takes some time, usually fifteen to twenty hours, to 
act ; the motion is well formed, not very soft, as there is so little 
increased secretion of fluid, and it is dark colored from the bile 
in it. Sometimes the drug gripes somewhat, because the mus- 
cular contraction it produces is irregular. As it acts chiefly on 
the lower bowel the habitual use of it may lead to piles. 

Female genital organs. — Aloes will aggravate the menstrual 
flow; it is therefore an emmenagogue. It is excreted by the 
milk, for aloes given to the mother may purge the child. It is 
stated also to be excreted in the urine, [and it is quite likely 
that the habitual use of aloes will result in irritation of the 
kidneys.] 

Barbadoes aloes is more purgative than Socatrine aloes, and 
contains a greater proportion of substances soluble in water. As 
a rule aloin acts like aloes, but it does not gripe so much. Some 
specimens, however, have very little action. This maybe owing 
to adulteration, or differences in composition of different speci- 
mens. 

Therapeutics of Aloes. 

Aloes is an excellent purgative for cases of habitual constipa- 
tion, many of which are due to an imperfect contraction of the 
muscular coat of the large intestine. It is very commonly given 
as a dinner pill (1 gr.; .06 gm., of extract of aloes and ^ gr.; 
.015 gm., of extract of nux vomica) to sufferers from chronic 
constipation, and in these cases its bitter principles acting as 
stomachics aid digestion. If the faeces are hard, ^ gr. [.03 
gm.] of powdered ipecacuanha should be added. To avoid 



500 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

griping it is well to combine a little extract of hyoscyamus or a 
little extract of belladonna with it. One great advantage of 
aloes is that the dose need not be gradually increased. It is also 
very commonly given as a pill with mix vomica and a grain or 
two; [.06 or .12 gm.] of dried [ferrous] sulphate to persons 
suffering from chlorosis and other forms of anaemia. It over- 
comes the chronic constipation so common in these cases, and 
some regard this as very important for the cure of the disease. 
The amenorrhoea so frequently associated with chlorosis is often 
benefited by aloes, and amenorrhoea due to other causes may also 
be relieved. Aloes is of great service in many cases of chronic 
constipation of children. A warm aqueous solution of aloin 
purges when injected subcutaneously. Aloes must not be given 
in pregnancy or menorrhagia. [If a patient suffers from 
haemorrhoids which are not inflamed, aloes can be safely ad- 
ministered, and even with marked benefit if they are due to a re- 
laxed rectal mucous membrane, (Barker).] An enema [Soco- 
trine aloes, 8 ; potassium carbonate, 3 ; mucilage of starch, 
960.] is anthelmintic. 

Class III.— DRASTIC PURGATIVES. 

SCAMMONIUM. 

SCAMMONY. — [A resinous exudation from the living root of Convol- 
vulus Scammonia, Linne (nat. ord. Covolvulacece). Habitat. — Western 
Asia. 

Characters. — In irregular, angular pieces or circular cakes, greenish- 
gray or blackish, internally porous, and breaking with an angular fracture, 
of a resinous lustre ; odor peculiar, somewhat cheese-like ; taste slightly acrid ; 
powder gray or greenish- gray.] 

Impurities, — Chalk and Starch. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) The resin {see below), 75 
to 80 per cent. (2) Gum, 10 to 20 per cent. (3) Starch. 

Dose, 5 to 15 gr. ; [.30 to 1.00 gm.] 

Preparation. 

Resina Scammonii. — Resin of Scammony. 

Source. — [Digest Scammony with successive portions of boiling 
Alcohol, distil off the Alcohol, precipitate the Resin with Water, wash 
it several times, and dry with gentle heat. 



VEGETABLE PURGATIVES. 501 

Characters. — Yellowish-brown or brownish-yellow masses or 
fragments, breaking with glossy, resinous fracture, translucent at the 
edges ; or a yellowish- white or grayish-white powder, having a faint 
peculiar odor, and a slight, peculiar taste. Solubility. — In Alcohol 
in all proportions ; also wholly soluble in Ether and in Oil of Turpen- 
tine. 

Composition. — The chief constituent is Scammonin, C 88 H 156 42 , 
probably the same as Jalapin, see p. 502.] 

Impurities.— Guaiacum resin, which blues potato. Resin of jalap, 
insoluble in Ether. 

Resin of Scammony is contained in Extractum Colocynthidis Com- 
positum. 

Dose, [1 to 8 gr. ; .06 to .50 gm.] 

Action of Scammony. 

Gastro-intestinal tract. — Scammony has no effect till it 
reaches the duodenum. With the bile it forms a strongly 
purgative compound, powerfully stimulating the intestinal 
glands and causing a profuse secretion of intestinal fluids. There 
is some exaggeration of vascularity, some irregular stimulation 
of the muscular coat, but these are comparatively slight, and 
there is little if any addition to the biliary flow. As a result 
of these actions, in about four hours there is a profuse watery 
evacuation of the bowels. The drug is, therefore, a powerful 
hydragogue cathartic, and, in large doses, a strong gastro- 
intestinal irritant. Its action is attended with some griping. It 
produces no effect if injected into the blood, and therefore acts 
only locally on the intestine. It is anthelmintic to both round- 
worms and tape-worms. 

Therapeutics of Scammony. 

Scammony being a prompt purgative, obstinate constipation 
in either children or adults may be treated with it. It may also 
be given as an anthelmintic. 

JALAPA. 

JALAP. — [The tuberous root of Ipomcea Jalapa, Nuttall (nat. ord. Con- 
volvulacece'). Habitat. — Eastern Mexico. 

Characters. — Napiform, pyriform or oblong, varying in size, the large 
roots incised, more or less wrinkled, dark brown, with lighter-colored spots, 



502 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

and short, transverse ridges ; hard, compact ; internally pale grayish-brown, 
with numerous concentric circles composed of small resin-cells ; fracture resin- 
ous, not fibrous ; odor slight, but peculiar, smoky and sweetish ; taste sweetish 
and acrid. On exhausting ioo parts of Jalap by Alcohol, concentrating the 
tincture, and pouring it into water, a precipitate of resin should be obtained, 
which, after washing with water and drying, should weigh not less than 12 
parts, and of which not over 10 per cent, should be soluble in Ether]. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are: (i) The official resin {see 
below), 7 to 22 per cent, mostly Jalapurgin, C 62 H 100 O 32 . (2) A soft resin. 

Dose, 5 to 20 gr. ; [.30 to 1.20 gm.] 

Preparations. 

1. Extractum Jalapae. — [Extract of Jalap. By maceration and 
percolation, with Alcohol, and evaporation. 

Extract of Jalap is contained in Pilulae Catharticse Composite and 
Pilulee Catharticse Vegetabiles. 

Dose, 2 to 8 gr. ; .12 to .50 gm. 

2. Pulvis Jalapse Compositus. — Compound powder of Jalap. 
Synonym. — Pulvis Purgans. Jalap, 35 ; Potassium Bitartrate, 65. 

Dose, ^ to 1 dr. ; 1. to 40. gm. 

3. Resina Jalapse. — Resin of Jalap. 

Source. — By maceration with Alcohol, percolation, distillation of 
the Alcohol, and precipitation with water, and drying. 

Characters. — Yellowish-brown, or brown masses or fragments, 
breaking with a resinous, glossy fracture, translucent at the edges, or a 
yellowish-gray or yellowish -brown powder, having a slight, peculiar 
odor, and a somewhat acrid taste]. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1 ) Jalapurgin, or Con- 
volvulin [C 62 H 100 O 32 ], a glucoside, a hard substance insoluble in Ether, 
more irritant than Jalapin, and probably the most active ingredient of 
Jalap. (2) Jalapin [probably identical with Scdbtmonin]. This is a 
soft resinous substance, soluble in Ether. It is found in Jalap wood 
and Jalap stalk. (3) Starch and Gum. Resembling Jalap Resin. — 
Aloes, which is bitter. 

Dose, 1 to 5 gr. ; [.06 to .30 gm.] 

Action of Jalap. 

The mode of action of jalap is precisely the same as that 
of scammony, with only two exceptions. It causes a greater 
secretion of intestinal juice, and is therefore more hydragogue ; 
it stimulates the vessels and muscular coat less, and therefore is 
less irritant and griping. 



VEGETABLE PURGATIVES. 503 

Therapeutics of Jalap. 

Jalap is very largely used as a hydragogue purgative when we 
want to draw off large quantities of fluid ; therefore it is especially 
suitable for patients with Bright' s disease, for those suffering from 
uraemia, and for those with dropsy from any cause. Large doses 
should not be given if the intestinal mucous membrane is liable 
to inflame easily. It is occasionally employed for severe consti- 
pation. [An old prescription consists of equal parts of powdered 
jalap and calomel, well triturated. The dose is from 5 to 10 gr. ; 
.30 to .60 gm. This is known as Rush's thunderbolt. Curi- 
ously enough, it does not gripe. 

BRYONIA. 

BRYONIA. — Synonym. — Bryony. The root of Bryonia alba, and of 
Bryonia dioica Linne (nat. ord. Cucurbitacecc). Habitat. — -"Central and 
Southern Europe. 

Characters. — In transverse sections about 5 cm. in diameter, the bark 
gray -brown, rough, thin, the central portion whitish or grayish, with numerous, 
small, projecting wood-bundles arranged in circles and radiating lines ; frac- 
ture short ; inodorous ; taste disagreeably bitter. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Bryonin, Cg^H^Og, a bit- 
ter glucoside ; (2) Resin; (3) Starch; (4) Gum. 

Dose, 10 to 60 gr. ; .60 to 4.00 gm. 

Preparation. 

Tinctura Bryonise. — Tincture of Bryonia. Bryonia, 100 ; by 
maceration and percolation with Alcohol to 1 000. 
Dose, 2 to 4 fi. dr. ; 8. to 15. c.c. 

Action and Uses of Bryonia. 

Bryonia is an active hydragogue cathartic, which was for- 
merly much employed, but has been superseded by jalap.] 

OLEUM [TIGLII.] 

CROTON OIL.— [A fixed oil expressed from the seed of Croton Tig- 
liam Linne (nat. ord. Enphorbiacecz). Habitat. — India and Philippine 
Islands ; cultivated. 

Characters. — A pale yellow or brownish-yellow, somewhat viscid, and 
slightly fluorescent liquid, having a slight fatty odor, and a mild, oily, after- 
wards acrid and burning taste ; when applied to the skin, it produces rubefac- 



504 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

tion or a pustular eruption. Sp. gr., 0.940 to 0.960. Solubility. — When 
fresh, in about 60 parts of Alcohol, the solubility increasing by age ; feebly 
soluble in Ether, Chloroform, Carbon Disulphide, and in fixed or volatile oils. 
The oil should be at least two years old ; when fresh it is of no value.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Several volatile acids (1 
per cent, in all) ; these give the odor. [ Tiglinic Acid, C 5 H 8 2 , is the charac- 
teristic one ; the others are Acetic, Isobutyric, Isovalerianic, Formic, Laurie, 
Myristic, Palmitic, Stearic, existing as glycerides. (2) Several fatty acids, 
both free and combined to form fats. (3) Crotonol, C 18 H 28 4 ] a substance 
which is non-purgative, but is capable of causing cutaneous irritation. 

Dose, >( to 2 m. ; [.015 to .12 c.c] on a lump of sugar, or mixed with 
Castor Oil and placed at the back of the mouth, so that it may be quickly 
swallowed. 

Croton seeds are not official, but it is important to recognize them. They 
are [13 mm.] long, [8 mm.] broad, ovoid and bluntly oblong, covered with a 
brown shell, which on scraping becomes black. The kernel is white and 
oily. They yield 50 to 60 per cent, of Croton Oil. They are known from 
Castor- oil seeds, which are like them, by the fact that the Castor-oil seeds are 
bright, polished and mottled. 

Action of Croton Oil. 

External.— Croton oil is one of the most powerful irri- 
tants in the pharmacopoeia. A drop placed on the skin causes 
redness, burning pain, and quickly a crop of vesicles form (vesi- 
cation) ; these rapidly become pustules (pustulation), and the 
surrounding subcutaneous tissue is red and cedematous. [The 
pustules may be umbilicated, but differ from variolous pustules 
in that they vary greatly in their size.] 

Internal. — Gastro-intestinal tract. — Very soon after a drop 
has been taken there is considerable griping and abdominal 
pain. In an hour or two the bowels are opened, and this may 
subsequently occur several times, the motions becoming more 
and more fluid. The croton oil greatly aggravates the vascu- 
larity of the stomach and intestines, the mucous membrane of 
which becomes red, cedematous and angry-looking ; there is a 
great increase of the intestinal secretion, but none of the bile. 
The drug produces, in fact, severe enteritis, and to a less ex- 
tent gastritis. The motions may contain blood. These effects 
are all due to the local [action] of the croton oil. It is probable 
that the peristaltic movements are increased also ; whether this 



VEGETABLE PURGATIVES. 505 

is a result of the irritation, or of some action of the drug exerted 
after absorption, is not known. Croton oil applied to the skin 
may cause free purgation. 

Therapeutics of Croton Oil. 

External. — Croton oil was formerly employed externally as 
an irritant and a counter-irritant for inflamed joints, pleurisy, 
bronchitis, phthisis, etc.; but it is not often so used now, as the 
scars left after the suppuration are very unsightly, the application 
is too painful and the inflammation induced too severe. [Cor- 
son's paint is a 5 to 15 per cent, solution of croton oil in ether, 
to which a small quantity of tincture of iodine is added to color 
it}. A little croton oil spread over an area not exceeding that 
of a [dime] may be applied to set up suppuration in the scalp, 
and so destroy an inveterate patch of ringworm if it is wished to 
cure it quickly. The croton oil will certainly do this, but the 
resulting suppuration is so severe that the remedy should be used 
with care, and only when all others have failed. The liniment 
[of the B. P., 15 per cent, of croton oil in equal parts of oil of 
cajuput and alcohol], well diluted, is occasionally employed to 
stimulate the skin in alopecia. 

Internal. — Croton oil should only be given in very obstinate 
constipation, not due to organic obstruction, and only one dose 
should be administered. Not more than one or two drops 
should be prescribed. Constipation due to lead poisoning and 
faecal impaction are sometimes suitable cases. Placed on the 
back of the tongue, it is, on account of its small bulk, a useful 
purgative for lunatics who refuse to take anything, and for un- 
conscious patients, because in such cases it is quickly swallowed 
reflexly ; hence also it is commonly given to those who are un- 
conscious from apoplexy. It must never be administered to 
children, to pregnant women, to feeble subjects, to those with 
haemorrhoids, nor to those suffering from peritonitis, gastritis, 
or enteritis. 

COLOCYNTHIS. 

COLOCYNTH.— [Synonyms. — Bitter Apple. Bitter Gourd. Bitter 
Cucumber. The fruit of Citrullus Colocynthis, Schrader (nat. ord. Cucur- 



$o6 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

bitacecc), deprived of its rind. Habitat. — Southern and Western Asia, 
Northern and Southern Africa, Greece and Spain. 

Characters. — From 5 to 10 cm. in diameter; globular; white or yel- 
lowish-white ; light, spongy ; readily breaking into three wedge-shaped 
pieces, each containing near the rounded surface, many flat, ovate, brown 
seeds ; inodorous ; taste intensely bitter. The pulp only should be used, the 
seeds being separated and rejected.] 

Impurities. — Seeds and cortex. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Colocynthin, [C 56 H 84 23 
about 2 per cent.,] an amorphous or crystalline, bitter, active glucoside, readily 
soluble in water and Alcohol. (2) Resinous matter having the names of 
Citrullin, Coloiynthein and Colocynthitin, insoluble in water. 

Dose, 2 to 8 gr. ; [.12 to .50 gm.] 

Preparations. 

[1. Extractum Colocynthidis. — Extract of Colocynth. By 
maceration with Diluted Alcohol, expression and straining; percolation 
and evaporation. 

Dose, y z to 2 gr. ; .03 to .12 gm. 

2. Extractum Colocynthidis Compositum. — Compound Extract 
of Colocynth. Extract of Colocynth, 160 ; Purified Aloes, 500; Car- 
damom, 60 ; Resin of Scammony, 140 ; Soap, 140 ; Alcohol, 100. 
By melting, straining and reducing to powder. 

Dose, 5 to 15 gr. ; .30 to 1.00 gm. 

3. Pilulae Catharticse Compositae. — See Mercury, p. 212. 

4. Pilulae Catharticae Vegetabiles. — Vegetable Cathartic Pills. 
Compound Extract of Colocynth, 60 ; Extract of Hyoscyamus, 30 ; 
Extract of Jalap, 30; Extract of Leptandra, 15 ; Resin of Podophyl- 
lum, 15 gm. ; Oil of Peppermint, 8 c.c. ; Water, to make 1000 pills. 

Dose, 1 to 5 pills.] 

Action of Colocynth. 

In small doses colocynth acts as a simple bitter, increasing 
the gastric and intestinal secretions and improving the appetite. 
In larger doses it augments considerably the flow of bile and suc- 
cus entericus, stimulates the muscular coat, causes a little griping, 
and leads to the evacuation of a watery motion. In still 
larger doses the hypersecretion is excessive and the griping is 
severe because the muscular coat is powerfully irritated, and 



VEGETABLE PURGATIVES. 507 

several abundant watery motions result. The drug may therefore 
be called drastic, hydragogue, and cathartic. The depres- 
sion produced may be considerable. 

Therapeutics of Colocynth. 

Colocynth should never be given alone, because of the grip- 
ing it causes. In the colocynth and hyoscyamus pill, [1 part 
of colocynth, 2 parts of hyoscyamus,] which is often prescribed, 
the hyoscyamus prevents this painful result. Colocynth is an 
excellent purgative for producing a single abundant evacuation 
of the bowels in chronic constipation, such as that so often met 
with in persons suffering from hepatic disorder, and in those 
confined to bed. Because of the watery character of the motions 
it may be given in ascites or Bright' s disease, but jalap or scam- 
mony is usually preferred. It is too irritant for habitual use. 
It should never be administered if there is any suspicion of in- 
testinal or gastric inflammation, nor in pregnancy. It is often 
combined with milder purgatives. A diuretic action has been 
claimed for it, but this is unimportant. 

ELATERINUM. 

[ELATERIN. — C 20 H 28 O 5 =347.2O. A neutral principle obtained from 
Elaterium, a substance deposited by the juice of the fruit of Ecballium Ela- 
terium (Linne) A. Richard (nat. ord. Cucurbitacecv). Synonym. — Squirting 
Cucumber. Habitat. — Western Asia, Northern Africa and Southern Europe ; 
cultivated. 

SOURCE. — Exhaust Elaterium with Chloroform. Add Ether, wash the 
resulting precipitate with Ether ; purify by re-crystallization with Chloroform. 

Characters. — Minute, white, hexagonal scales, or prismatic crystals, 
without odor, and having a slightly acrid, bitter taste ; permanent in the air. 
Solubility. — In 4250 parts of water, and in 337 parts of Alcohol ; also soluble 
in 543 parts of Ether, or in 2.4 parts of Chloroform. 

Dose, 2V to tV S T - >' - 00 3 to .005 gm. 

Preparation. 

Trituratio Elaterini. — Trituration of Elaterin. Elaterin, 10 ; Sugar 
of Milk, 90. 

Dose, *4 to 1 gr. ; .03 to .06 gm.] 



508 organic materia medica. 

Action of Elaterin. 

Elaterin is violently purgative, producing profuse watery 
evacuations, attended with griping and much prostration. It 
acts like colocynth, and except that it is much more energetic, the 
description of that drug will apply to it. It increases the salivary 
secretion. When injected subcutaneously it purges. It is the 
most powerful hydragogue purgative in the Pharmacopoeia. 

Therapeutics of Elaterin. 

Elaterin should not be given in ordinary constipation, as it is 
too violent in its effects, but on account of the large amount of 
fluid it brings away it is in suitable cases very useful in ascites 
and in Bright' s disease. The same cautions as were enumer- 
ated for colocynth are still more necessary here. It should not 
be given, or only with great care, in heart disease, on account 
of the depression produced. 

GAMBOGIA. 

[GAMBOGE. — A gum resin obtained from Garcinia Hanburii Hooker 
filius (nat. ord. Guttiferce). Habitat. — Anam, Camboja and Siam. 

Characters. — In cylindrical pieces, sometimes hollow in the centre, 2 
to 5 cm. in diameter, longitudinally striate on the surface ; fracture flattish- 
conchoidal, of a waxy lustre, orange-red ; in powder bright yellow ; inodorous ; 
taste very acrid ; the powder sternutatory. Solubility. — It is partly soluble in 
Alcohol and in Ether. ] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (I) A brilliant yellow Resin, 
Gambogic Acid, [65 to 80 per cent. (2) Gum, 16 to 26 per cent.] This is 
soluble, so that an emulsion of Gambogic Acid is formed with water. 

Impurities. — Starch, woody fibre. 

\_Gamboge is contained in Pilulae Catharticae Compositae.] 

Dose, 1 to 5 gr. ; [.06 to .30 gm.] 

Action of Gamboge. 

Gamboge is a drastic, hydragogue purgative, causing 
much griping, and, in large doses, great irritation of the alimen- 
tary canal. Most of it passes in the faeces, but some is absorbed, 
causing the urine to be yellow. It is slightly diuretic. 



VEGETABLE PURGATIVES. 509 

Therapeutics of Gamboge. 

It is not often prescribed, as it is uncertain, and gripes con- 
siderably. It should never be given alone. It has been used as 
an anthelmintic. 

Class IV.— CHOLAGOGUES. 

PODOPHYLLUM. 

PODOPHYLLUM. — {Synonyms. — May Apple. Mandrake. The 
rhizome and Roots of Podophyllum peltatum Linne (nat ord. Berberidecz). 
Habitat. — North America, in rich woods and thickets. 

Characters. — Of horizontal growth, consisting of joints about 5 cm. 
long, flattish cylindrical, about 5 mm. thick, but somewhat enlarged at the end, 
which has a circular scar on the upper side, a tuft of about ten, nearly simple, 
fragile roots on the lower side, and is sometimes branched laterally ; smooth or 
somewhat wrinkled, orange- brown, internally white and mealy, with a circle 
of small wood-bundles ; pith large ; nearly inodorous ; taste sweetish, some- 
what bitter and acrid.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) The official Resin {see 
below), 4 to 5 per cent. (2) Podophyllic Acid, a coloring principle. 

Dose, 5 to 20 gr. ; .30 to 1.20 gm. 

Preparations. 

1. Extractum Podophylli. — Extract of Podophyllum. By mac- 
eration and percolation with Alcohol and Water, distillation of the 
Alcohol, and evaporation. 

Dose, 2 to 10 gr. ; .12 to .60 gm. 

2. Extractum Podophylli Fluidum.— Fluid Extract of Podo- 
phyllum. By maceration and percolation with Alcohol and Water, 
distillation of the Alcohol and solution. 

Dose, 5 to 20 m. ; .30 to 1.20 c.c] 

3. Resina Podophylli. — [Resin of Podophyllum. Synonym. — 
Podophyllin. 

Source. — By maceration and percolation in Alcohol, distillation of 
the Alcohol, precipitation of Resin in Hydrochloric Acid and Water; 
wash and dry. 

Characters. — An amorphous powder, varying in color from gray- 
ish-white to pale greenish-yellow or yellowish-green, turning darker 
when exposed to heat ; having a slight, peculiar odor, and a peculiar, 
faintly bitter taste. Permanent in the air. Solubility. — In Alcohol in 
all proportions ; Ether dissolves 1 5 to 20 per cent, of it. ] 



5IO ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Composition. — The Resin consists mainly of Podophyllotoxin, 
[C 23 H 24 9 -f-2H 2 0, which is said to be a mixture of Picropodophyllin, 
75 to 80 per cent., the purgative principle, and Picropodophyllic Acid, 
both existing free in the rhizome ; with these are associated minor resins, 
and Podophylloquercitin, a coloring principle.] 

Incompatibles. — Water precipitates it from Alcohol ; acids pre- 
cipitate it from Ammonia. 

[Resin of Podophyllum is contained in Pilulae Catharticae Vege- 
tables.] 

Dose, J4 to y 2 gr. ; [.008 to .03 gm.] 

Action of Podophyllin. 

External. — Tt has no external action unless applied to raw 
surfaces, from which it may be absorbed, and then it will purge. 

Internal. — Gastro-intestinal tract. — Podophyllin has a bitter 
taste. It is in large doses a powerful gastro-intestinal irritant, 
and has caused death. In medicinal doses it gives rise to much 
griping pain, perhaps some nausea, and in about ten hours there 
is an evacuation of the bowels ; the motion, which is liquid, 
is deeply stained with bile. The pain shows that the muscular 
coat is stimulated, the liquidity that probably more intestinal 
fluid is secreted, and the color that more bile is poured into the 
intestine. In small doses podophyllin probably increases the 
secretion of bile, and certainly the solids in it are greater ; in 
purgative doses it is said not to increase the quantity, although 
more bile is poured from the bladder into the intestine. It is 
thus a direct and indirect cholagogue. It probably acts after 
absorption, for all its effects can be produced if it is injected 
subcutaneously. 

Therapeutics of Podophyllum. 

Podophyllum is only used for its cholagogue purgative 
action. [An old name for this drug is Vegetable Mercury.] It 
is especially suitable for constipation due to hepatic disorder, 
whether functional, as in the hepatic dyspepsia which commonly 
goes by the name of biliousness, or organic, as in hepatic cirr- 
hosis and cancer. It must be remembered that as it causes much 
griping, it should be combined with hyoscyamus or some other 



VEGETABLE PURGATIVES. 5 1 1 

drug to overcome this ; that it takes a long while to act, and will 
therefore be swept away before it has produced any effect if given 
with quickly acting purgatives ; and that it is better to begin 
with small doses, as people are very unequally affected by it. It 
may be advantageously combined with calomel in a pill. It is 
so disagreeable to the taste that it is better to dissolve the resin 
in aromatic spirit of ammonia (1 to 480). 

[LEPTANDRA. 

LEPTANDRA. — Synonym. — Culver's Root. The rhizome and roots 
of Veronica virginica Linne (nat. ord. Scrophularinece). Habitat. — United 
States, south to Georgia, and west to Minnesota, in low grounds. 

Characters. — Of horizontal growth, from 10 to 15 cm. long, and about 
5 mm. thick, somewhat flattened, bent and branched, deep blackish-brown, 
with cup-shaped scars on the upper side, hard, of a woody fracture, with a 
thin, blackish bark, a hard, yellowish wood, and a large, purplish-brown, about 
six-rayed pith ; roots thin, wrinkled, very fragile ; inodorous; taste bitter and 
feebly acrid. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Leptandrin, a bitter, 
crystalline glucoside. (2) A saccharine principle having the properties of 
Mannit. (3) Possibly a Volatile Alkaloid. 



Preparations. 

1. Extractum Leptandrae. — Extract of Leptandra. By macer- 
ation and percolation with Alcohol and water, and evaporation. 

Extract of Leptandra is contained in Pilulae Catharticse Vege- 
tables. 

Dose, 1 to 3 gr. ; .06 to .20 gra. 

2. Extractum Leptandrae Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Lep- 
tandra. By maceration and percolation with Alcohol and Water, and 
evaporation. 

Dose, % to 1 fl. dr. ; 1. to 4. ex. 

Action and Uses of Leptandra. 

Recent leptandra root acts as a violent cathartic, and some- 
times as an emetic. It is an excellent cholagogue, appears to 
have a special influence upon the muciparous follicles of the 
intestine, and it acts very advantageously in cases of duodenal 
indigestion and chronic constipation. 



512 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

CHELIDONIUM. 

CHELIDONIUM.—5j'»o«y;«.— Celandine. The entire plant, CheU 
idonium majus Linne (nat. ord. Papaveracece). Habitat. — Europe; natural- 
ized in North America. 

Characters. — Root several-headed, branching, reddish-brown; stem 
about 50 cm. long, light-green, hairy ; leaves about 15 cm. long, thin, petio- 
late, the upper ones smaller and sessile, light-green, on the lower side glau- 
cous, lyrate-pinnatifid, the pinnae ovate-oblong, obtuse, coarsely crenate or 
incised and the terminal one often three- lobed ; flowers in small, long pedun- 
cled umbels with two sepals and four yellow petals ; capsule linear, two-vahed 
and many seeded. The fresh plant contains a saffron-colored milk-juice, and 
has an unpleasant odor and acrid taste. 

Composition. — (1) Chelerythrine, C 21 H 17 N0 4 . (2) Sanguinarine, 

: 20 h 19 no 5 . 

in Opium and Sanguinaria. (5) Chelidoxanthin, 
Chelidonic and Chelidoninic Acids. 
Dose, 15 to 60 gr. ; 1. to 4. gm. 

Action and Uses of Celandine. 

Celandine has been found useful in jaundice, apparently pos- 
sessing a stimulating effect upon the hepatic secretions. It is a 
somewhat irregularly acting purgative, giving rise to watery mo- 
tives, but at the same time to griping pains. It was the chief 
ingredient in the old Decoctum ad Ictericos of the Edinburgh 
Pharmacopoeia. 

IRIS. 

IRIS. — Synonym. — Blue Flag. The rhizome and roots of Iris versi- 
color Linne (nat. ord. Iridecz). Habitat. — North America, in swampy localities. 

Characters. — Rhizome of horizontal growth, consisting of joints, 5 to 
10 cm. long, cylindrical in the lower half, flatfish near the upper extremity, 
and terminated by a circular scar, annulated from the leaf-sheaths, grayish- 
brown ; roots long, simple, crowded near the broad end ; odor slight ; taste 
acrid and nauseous. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) An acrid resin. (2) Pos- 
sibly an alkaloid. (3) Fat. (4) A camphoraceous body. 

Dose, 10 to 30 gr. ; .60 to 2.00 gm. 

Preparations. 

1. Extractum Iridis. — Extract of Iris. By maceration and per- 
colation with Alcohol, and evaporation. 
Dose, 1 to 3 gr. ; .06 to .20 gm. 



VOLATILE OILS. 513 

2. Extractum Iridis Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Iris. By 
maceration and percolation with Alcohol, and evaporation. 
Dose, 10 to 30 m. ; .60 to 2.00 c.c] 

IRIDINUM. 

IRIDIN. — (Not official.) — Synonym. — Irisin. The powdered extractive 
obtained from the root of Iris versicolor. 

Characters. — A dark-brown, bitter, nauseous powder. 
Dose, 1 to 5 gr. ; [.06 to .30 gm.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Iris. 

[The extract and fluid extract of iris are infrequently used.] 
Iridin is a cholagogue, and as it rarely gripes, it may be given 
when it is required to use a cholagogue purgative daily for some 
time. It may be combined with euonymin, calomel, podophyl- 
lin and other cholagogue purgatives. 

EUONYMUS. 

EUONYMUS.-5/«o«y»M. -Wahoo. Spindle Tree. [The bark of the 
root of Euonymus atropurpureus Jacquin (nat. ord. Celastrinece). Habitat. — 
United States, southward to Florida, and westward to Wisconsin, in shady 
woods. 

Characters. — In quilled or curved pieces, from 2 to 8 mm. thick, outer 
surface, ash-gray, with blackish patches, detached in thin and small scales ; 
inner surface whitish or slightly tawny, smooth ; fracture smooth, whitish, 
the inner layers of a laminated appearance ; nearly inodorous ; taste sweetish, 
somewhat bitter and acrid]. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Euonymin [an amorphous 
resin, very bitter. (2) Atropurpurin, a crystalline glucoside. (3) Citric, 
Tartaric and Malic Acids. 

Dose, 1 to 2 dr. ; 4. to 8. gm.] 

Preparation. 

Extractum Euonymi. — Extract of Euonymus. [Synonym. — ■ 
Euonymin. By maceration and percolation with Alcohol and Water, 
distillation of the Alcohol, and evaporation. 

Dose, 1 to 5 gr. ; .06 to .30 gm.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Euonymus. 

In small doses euonymin stimulates the appetite and flow of 
gastric juice ; in larger, it is irritant to the intestine and is 

33 



5 H ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

cathartic. An ordinary dose increases the amount of bile ex- 
creted into the intestine, but does not gripe or cause much intes- 
tinal secretion. It has slight diuretic and expectorant effects ; 
but its only use is as a purgative for those cases of constipation 
in which the liver is disordered, and for which it is particularly 
efficacious. It is usually combined with other cholagogues as 
iridin and calomel. 



GROUP VI. 
Volatile Oils. 

These, when applied externally, stimulate the skin, and thus cause red- 
ness, sometimes even vesication, tingling, and subsequent numbness. Taken 
internally, they stimulate the gastro-intestinal tract, increasing its vascularity, 
the flow of saliva, of gastric juice, and of succus entericus ; and they excite its 
unstriped muscular fibres. Thus in moderate doses they are stomachics and 
carminatives ; in large doses they are gastro-intestinal irritants. Their irri- 
tation of the stomach reflexly stimulates the heart and the central nervous sys- 
tem. They are absorbed and excreted by the skin, which they may thus 
irritate, and by the bronchial mucous membrane, while they consequently 
stimulate, increasing the amount of secretion from it, its vascularity, the expul- 
sive power of its unstriped muscles, and reflexly this irritation leads to cough- 
ing; consequently they are expectorants, [although they may later limit the 
amount of secretion formed]. They are also largely excreted by the kidneys, 
which are stimulated even to inflammation, and hence these drugs are often 
diuretic ; and by the genito-urinary mucous membrane, which is also 
stimulated, often so energetically that it may become inflamed. [Some are 
antiseptic] Some volatile oils act strongly in all these ways ; others act much 
more powerfully in some than in others. [Volatile and fixed oils are usually 
mutually soluble in all proportions. Volatile oils are generally slightly soluble 
in water.] 

They will be classified according to the tissue on which they chiefly act, 
or for the action for which they are mostly used. 

Class I. — Volatile oils (or substances containing them), acting chiefly 
upon, or used chiefly for their stimulation of the skin. 

[Turpentine,] Oil of Turpentine, [Oil of Erigeron, Pix Liquida^ 
Oil of Cade, Burgundy Pitch, Resin, Frankincense, Canada [Turpen- / 
tine,] Mustard, Oil of Cajuput, Eucalyptus, Oil of Rosemary, Arnica,^ 
Mezereum, [Elemi.] 

Class II. — Volatile oils (or substances containing them) acting chiefly 
upon, or used chiefly for their stimulation of the gastro-intestinal tract. 



VOLATILE OILS. 5 I $ 

Pyrethrum, Cloves* Pimenta, Pepper, Nutmeg, [Mace,] Cinna- 
mon, Horseradish, Capsicum^ Ginger,* Cardamom, Sumbul, Oil of 
Lavender, [Oil of Lavender Flowers, Oil of Bergamot,] Peppermint, 
Spearmint, Anise, [Illicium,] Coriander, Fennel, Caraway, Dill, Sam- 
bucus, [Oil of Pennyroyal, Absinthium], Chamomile, [Matricaria, 
Rose.] 

Class III. — Volatile oils (or substances containing them) acting chiefly 
upon the stomach, so as to reflexly stimulate the heart and central nervous 
systems, or chiefly used for this purpose. 

Valerian, [Cypripedium,] Asafcetida, Galbanum, Ammoniacum, 
Myrrh. 

Class IV. — Volatile oils (or substances containing them) acting chiefly 
upon, or used chiefly for their stimulation of the bronchial mucous mem- 
brane. 

Terebene, [Terpin Hydrate], Balsam of Peru, Balsam of Tolu, 
Storax, Fir Wood Oil, Grindelia. 

Class V. — Volatile oils (or substances containing them) acting chiefly 
upon, or used chiefly for their stimulation of the kidneys and genito-urinary 
tract. 

Oil of Juniper, Buchu, Copaiba, [Oil of Thyme], Cubeb, Oil of 
Santal, [Matico, Damiana.] 

[Class VI. — Volatile oils (or substances containing them) acting chiefly 
upon, or used chiefly for their stimulation of the female genital organs. 
Savine, Tansy, Oil of Rue.] 

Class I.— THOSE USED CHIEFLY FOR THEIR ACTION ON 
THE SKIN. 

TEREBINTHINA. 

[TURPENTINE. — A concrete oleoresin obtained from Pinus palustris 
Miller, and from other species of Pinus (nat. ord. Coniferce). Habitat. — ■ 
United States ; in the Atlantic and Gulf States from Virginia to Texas. 

Characters. — In yellowish, opaque, tough masses, brittle in the cold, 
crumbly-crystalline in the interior, of a terebinthinate odor and taste. ] 

OLEUM TEREBINTHINA. 

OIL OF TURPENTINE.— [A volatile oil distilled from Turpentine. 

Characters. — A thin, colorless liquid, having a characteristic odor and 
taste, both of which become stronger and less pleasant by age and exposure to 
the air. Sp. gr., 0.855 to 0-870. Dissolves Resins (the solution forms varnish), 
Wax, Sulphur, Phosphorus and Iodine. Solubility. — In 3 times its volume 
of Alcohol, the solution being neutral or slightly acid to litmus paper : also 
soluble in an equal volume of Glacial Acetic Acid.] It is easily oxidized. 



5 16 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Old Oil of Turpentine is an oxidizing agent ; it readily absorbs Oxygen, and 
becomes converted into an Oleoresin. French Oil of Turpentine is laevo- 
rotatory, some of it comes from Pimis maritima ; English Oil of Turpentine, 
which mostly comes from America, and Russian Oil of Turpentine are dextro- 
rotatory. 

Composition. — Oil of Turpentine is a mixture of (i) several isomeric hy- 
drocarbons {/erpenes), all having the formula C 10 H 16 . The chief of them found 
in the oil are pinene, phellandrene, Zimonene, and dipentene. They vary in 
their boiling points and the direction in which they rotate the plane of polar- 
ization. The principal terpene in American oil of turpentine is dextro-pinene ; 
the principal terpene in French oil of turpentine is lsevopinene. (2) Sesqui- 
terpenes, C 15 H 24 . (3) Bornyl acetate. Most turpentine contains [from 20 to 
30 per cent. ] of the Oil of Turpentine. Many official volatile oils, viz. , Oils of 
Lavender, [Cubeb, Juniper,] Peppermint, Chamomile, Caraway, Cloves, con- 
tain various terpenes, all isomeric, and all having the formula, C 10 H 16 . An 
oxidation product of terpene is Camphor, C 10 H 16 O, which is pharmacopoeial 
(see Camphor). Sanitas {see p. 518) is another product of the oxidation of a 
terpene. 

Dose, 5 to 30 m. ; [.30 to 2.00 c.c, or ^ to 4 fl. dr. ; 2. to 15. c.c] 
(anthelmintic). 

Two parts of mucilage, with thorough trituration, emulsify one part of Oil 
of Turpentine with sixteen parts of water. 

Preparations. 

[1. Oleum Terebinthinae Rectificatum. — Rectified Oil of Tur- 
pentine. 

Source. — Oil of Turpentine, I ; Lime water, 6 volumes. By 
shaking and distillation. 

Characters. — A thin, colorless liquid, having the general proper- 
ties mentioned under Oil of Turpentine. Sp. gr. , 0.855 to 0.865. 

Dose, 5 to 30 m. ; .30 to 2.00 c.c, or ^ to 4 fl. dr. ; 2. to 15. 
c.c. (anthelmintic). 

2. Linimentum Terebinthinae. — Turpentine Liniment. Resin 
Cerate, 650 ; Oil of Turpentine, 350. By melting and mixing.] 

Action of Turpentine. 

External. — Oil of turpentine has, to a marked degree, the 
action of other volatile oils. Thus applied to the skin, especially 
if rubbed in, it causes the vessels to dilate, there is a sense of 
warmth, the part becomes red, and subsequently common sensa- 
tion is blunted. The oil is therefore rubefacient, irritant, 
and counter-irritant. If enough is applied, it is a vesicant. 



VOLATILE OILS. 517 

Like the other volatile oils it is antiseptic and disinfectant. 
It is absorbed by the unbroken skin. 

Internal. — Alimentary canal. — Oil of turpentine has the 
same stimulant effect when locally applied to the mouth and 
pharynx as it has on the skin, and in the stomach it powerfully 
dilates the vessels, increases peristalsis and the gastric secretion, 
and reflexly stimulates the heart, but on account of its 
nauseous taste it is not used for these properties, which it has in 
common with other volatile oils. Its effects on the intestine are 
the same as those on the stomach, the most marked being its 
energetic stimulation of the muscular coat, hence it is a strong 
carminative, expelling gas from the bowels. If a large amount 
is given, the excitation of the muscular coat leads to purging, 
the motions often containing much blood, haemorrhage resulting 
from the great vascular dilatation. Oil of turpentine is anthel- 
mintic, killing the tapeworm when administered in doses of 
[^2] to 4 fl. dr. [2. to 15. c.c.]; but this treatment may cause 
severe symptoms. When given as an enema it kills the thread- 
worm. 

Circulation. — Oil of turpentine is readily absorbed. We do 
not know in what form it circulates. Statements concerning its 
action on the heart and vessels are very discordant, probably be- 
cause different experimenters have used different varieties of oil 
of turpentine ; but most specimens appear first to stimulate 
the heart, in some degree at least, directly, for oil of turpen- 
tine locally applied will excite the excised heart, increasing the 
force and frequency of the cardiac beat. It contracts the ves- 
sels, and therefore it is a haemostatic. The blood-pressure 
rises. After a large dose of any variety this stimulation is fol- 
lowed by depression, the heart beats feebly, the vessels dilate, 
and the blood-pressure falls. 

Respiration. — When inhaled, oil of turpentine acts on the 
bronchial mucous membrane as it does on the skin, irritating it, 
dilating the vessels, increasing and disinfecting the secretion, 
stimulating the muscles of the bronchi, and reflexly exciting 
cough. If given internally, [since] some of it is excreted by the 
bronchial mucous membrane, similar effects are produced. At 



5 I 8 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

the same time the activity of the respiratory movements is in^ 
creased, so that the drug is a powerful expectorant. 

Nervous system. — Oil of turpentine in large doses is a severe 
depressant to the nervous system, producing languor, dulness, 
sleepiness, and unsteady gait. Toxic doses cause coma and 
paralyze the sensory nerves ; consequently reflex action is abol- 
ished. 

Kidneys. — It acts more powerfully on these than almost any 
other volatile oil. Even moderate doses may lead to pain in the 
loins, scanty, high-colored urine, albuminuria, and haematuria. 
The urinary passages are also irritated ; consequently, owing 
to muscular spasm, there is difficulty in passing water, micturition 
is painful, and a sensation of heat in the perinseum is present 
(these symptoms constitute strangury). If a large dose has been 
given, the urine may be completely suppressed. Turpentine 
causes the urine to smell of violets. 

Skin. — Oil of turpentine is excreted by the skin, and may 
cause an erythematous rash. 

Some is probably excreted by the milk, bile and intestinal 
mucous membrane. 

It is said to be a mild antipyretic. [Old] oil of turpentine 
[containing oxygen {see p. 239)] is an antidote to phosphorus, 
and it is stated that [that] and [the] French oil are preferable, 
but this is doubtful. 

Therapeutics of Turpentine. 

External. — Oil of turpentine is very largely employed as an 
irritant or counter-irritant in various forms of chronic inflamma- 
tion, such as osteo-arthritis, bronchitis, or pleurisy. The liniment 
forms a useful application. It may also be rubbed in over pain- 
ful areas, as in neuralgia, myalgia, rheumatic pains, lumbago, etc. 
Sometimes it is used as a parasiticide for ringworm. Sanitas [not 
official] is an aqueous solution of common turpentine, which has 
been allowtd to oxidize in the air. Its active antiseptic principle 
is hydrogen [dioxide,] and it contains a little thymol. It is a 
very pleasant disinfectant, but is not so strong as carbolic acid. 
[Oil of turpentine is an excellent antiseptic for old suppurat- 



VOLATILE OILS. 519 

ing wounds. Care must be taken that it does not blister the 
skin.] 

Internal. — Stomach and intestines. — [For internal use the 
rectified oil only should be prescribed.] It is not often pre- 
scribed for its carminative and stomachic effects, though given 
either by the mouth or as an enema (1 to 15 fl. oz. of mucilage 
of starch) it is often very efficacious in removing the intestinal 
distension due to gas. If it is used as an anthelmintic, \_y 2 to 4 
fl. dr., 2. to 15. c.c], emulsified in mucilage and followed by a 
dose of castor oil, should be given. Sometimes it promptly re- 
lieves intestinal haemorrhage, such as that due to typhoid fever. 
[It is also used in this disease as an antiseptic] Whenever it is 
prescribed as a haemostatic, considerable doses, 30 to 60 minims 
[2. to 4. c.c] should be administered every hour for a few hours. 

Circulation. — It is not employed to influence this, except as a 
haemostatic. It has the reputation of being fairly efficacious in 
arresting haemorrhage. It may be given in haemoptysis and 
other conditions attended with bleeding. 

Respiration. — It is not much used as an inhalation, for the 
[Vapor Olei Pini Sylvestris (o. v.,y\ is much pleasanter, but it 
might be employed to disinfect foul bronchial secretions, and 
to stimulate the mucous membrane in chronic bronchitis. 

It should be remembered that oil of turpentine must be given 
internally with great care because of its liability to cause inflam- 
mation of the kidneys ; indeed, this fact and its [unpleasant] 
taste account for its not being so often administered as would 
otherwise be the case. It should never be given to the subjects 
of Bright' s disease. 

[OLEUM ERIGERONTIS. 

OIL OF ERIGERON.— Synonym.— Oil of Fleabane. A volatile oil 
distilled from the fresh, flowering herb of Erigeron canadense Linne (nat. ord. 
Composite.) Habitat. — North America, in fields and waste places; natural- 
ized in other countries. 

Characters. — A pale yellow, limpid liquid, becoming darker and thicker 
by age and exposure to the air, having a peculiar aromatic, persistent odor, 
and an aromatic, slightly pungent taste. Sp. gr., about 0.850, increasing with 
age. Solubility. — In an equal volume of Alcohol. 

Dose, 5 to 15 m. ; .30 to 1.00 c.c. 



520 organic materia medica. 

Action and Uses of the Oil of Erigeron. 
Oil of erigeron is less irritant and also less efficient than oil of 
turpentine. Externally it is often applied to prevent insects from 
injuring the skin. It has been used in diarrhoea, dysentery and 
haemorrhages, in much the same way as oil of turpentine.] 

PIX LIQUIDA. 

TAR. — [An empyreumatic oleoresin obtained by the destructive distilla- 
tion of the wood of Pinus pahistris, Miller, and of other species of Pinus (nat. 
ord. Coniferce). Habitat. — United States. 

Characters. — Thick, viscid, semi-fluid, blackish-brown, heavier than 
water, transparent in thin layers, becoming granular and opaque with age ; 
odor empyreumatic, terebinthinate ; taste sharp, empyreumatic. Solubility. — 
Slightly, in water ; soluble in Alcohol, fixed and volatile oils, and solution of 
Potassium or Sodium Hydrate. ] On distillation it gives off an empyreumatic 
oil (oil of tar), which is official {see below), and pyroligneous acid. What 
remains behind is pitch. This is black, solid, melting in boiling water. 

Composition. — Tar is a very complex substance. The chief constituents 
are — (i) Oil of Turpentine {see p. 515). (2) Creosote {see p. 334). (3) Phe- 
nols {see p. 324). (4) Pyrocatechin, or Catechol, C 6 H 6 2 (which see). (5) 
Acetic Acid. (6) Acetone. (7) Xylol. (8) Toluol. (9) Methylic Alcohol. 
(10) Resins. 

Dose, jl to 1 dr. ; [1. to 4. gm.,] in the form of pill. 

Preparations. 

1. [Syrupus Picis Liquidae. — Syrup of Tar. Tar, 75 ; Water., 
150 ; Boiling Distilled Water, 400 ; Sugar, 800 ; Glycerin, 100 ; Dis- 
tilled Water to 1000. By solution, decantation and filtration. 

Dose, 1 to 4 fl. dr. ; 4. to 15. c.c] 

2. Unguentum Picis Liquidae. — [Tar Ointment. Tar, 500 j 



OLEUM PICIS LIQUID^.— Oil of Tar. A volatile oil distilled 
from Tar. 

Characters. — An almost colorless liquid when freshly distilled, but 
soon acquiring a dark, reddish-brown color, and having a strong, tarry odor 
and taste. Sp. gr., about 0.970. Solubility. — Readily in Alcohol.] 

Action of Tar. 

External. — Tar has precisely the same action as oil of tur- 
pentine, but it is not so powerful, therefore the vascular dilata- 



VOLATILE OILS. 52 I 

tion rarely proceeds to the stage of vesication ; but pustules may 
result if the tar is rubbed in. 

Internal. — It is very liable to upset digestion ; in large doses 
it causes epigastric pain, vomiting, severe headache, dark urine, 
and other symptoms of carbolic acid poisoning (see p. 332). 
Some of its constituents are excreted by mucous membranes, 
especially the bronchial, on which it acts as a disinfectant, stimu- 
lating expectorant. 

Therapeutics of Tar. 

External. — Tar ointment, which is [sometimes] rather hard, 
and may be softened by half the wax with almond oil, is often 
applied as a stimulant to chronic skin diseases, such as psoriasis 
and chronic eczema. Because of its mildly anaesthetic action, 
it is sometime? useful in pruritus. 

[Wood tar is the only official form of tar, but coal tar is often 
used in medicine. The prepared form of it is made by simply 
heating and stirring coal tar at 120 F. 48 C. for an hour.] 
Liquor Picis Carbonis [not official] is a favorite preparation for 
many skin diseases. It may be made thus : Dissolve resin soap, 
1 (see below) in alcohol, 8 ; add prepared coal tar, 4 ; digest 
at 1 2 5 F. [51 C] for two days, allow it to cool, then decant 
and filter. An ointment of 3 parts of lard with 1 of this solu- 
tion may be made. Liquor Carbonis Detergens [not official] is 
an alcoholic solution of ordinary coal tar. [It is used externally 
in skin diseases, diluted in 20 parts of water.] 

Internal. — Coal tar is rarely prescribed for internal use. 
Wood tar is only given as an expectorant, and it is very valuable 
for chronic bronchitis. It may be prescribed as a pill or as the 
syrup, or as Vinum Picis [not official] (a saturated solution of 
wood tar in sherry, dose 1 to 4 fl. dr. [4. to 15. c.c.]), or as the 
French preparation, Eau de Goudron. Tar water is made by 
stirring wood tar with water [1 to 4] for fifteen minutes and 
decanting. The dose is a pint [480. c.c] daily. It may be 
used externally as a wash. The syrup with syrup of wild cherry 
(see p. 462) and apomorphine hydrochlorate ^0 S v - 5 - 00 3 g m -> 
forms an excellent cough mixture. 



522 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 



OLEUM CADINUM. 



OIL OF CADE. — [Synonyms. — Huile de Cade. Juniper Tar Oil. A 
product of the dry distillation of the wood of Juniperus Oxycedrus Linne (nat. 
ord. Coniferce). Habitat. — Mediterranean districts of North Africa, Spain, 
Portugal and France ; in waste places and on stony hill-sides. 

Characters. — A brownish or dark brown, clear, thick liquid, having a 
tarry odor, and an empyreumatic, burning, somewhat bitter taste. Sp. gr. , 
about 0.990. Solubility. — Almost insoluble in water ; only partially soluble 
in Alcohol, but is completely soluble in Ether, Chloroform, or Carbon Di- 
sulphide. ] 

Composition. — Probably much the same as that of Tar. 

Action and Therapeutics of Oil of Cade. 

Oil of cade has the same action on the skin as tar, but it is 
preferable, as the odor is pleasanter. The diseases treated by the 
application of it are psoriasis, chronic eczema, and pruritus. A 
usual formula is oil of cade, 1 ; soft soap, 4 ; alcohol, 4 ; but an 
ointment made by melting with it an equal part of yellow wax, 
is a more agreeable preparation. 

PIX BURGUNDICA. 

BURGUNDY PITCH.— [The prepared, resinous exudation of Abies 
excelsa Poiret (nat. ord. Coniferce). Habitat. — Europe, in the Southern parts, 
in mountainous districts. 

Characters. — Hard, yet gradually taking the form of the vessels in 
which it is kept ; brittle, with a shining, conchoidal fracture, opaque or trans- 
lucent, reddish-brown or yellowish-brown, odor agreeably terebinthinate ; 
taste aromatic, sweetish, not bitter. Solubility. — Almost entirely in Glacial 
Acetic Acid, and partly soluble in cold Alcohol.] 

Composition. — [The chief constituents are — (1) Resin; (2) A volatile 
oil, a mixture of several isomeric terpenes in variable proportion.] 

Impurities. — Palm Oil and Resin, which are detected by not being solu- 
ble in Glacial Acetic Acid. 

\_Burgundy Pitch is contained in Emplastrum Ferri and Emplastrum Opii.] 

Preparations. 

1. Emplastrum Picis [Burgundicae.— Burgundy Pitch Plaster. 
Burgundy Pitch, 800 ; Yellow Wax, 150 ; Olive Oil, 50. 

2. Emplastrum Picis Cantharidatum. — Cantharidal Pitch Plas- 
ter. Synonym. — Warming Plaster. Cerate of Cantharides, 80 ; Bur- 
gundy Pitch to 1000. Heat the cerate and strain ; melt the pitch with 
the strained liquid.] 



VOLATILE OILS. 523 

Action and Uses of Burgundy Pitch. 

Burgundy pitch is used as a basis for plasters. It is mildly 
stimulant to the skin. 

RESINA. 

RESIN. — [Synonyms. — Colophony. Rosin. The residue left after dis- 
tilling off the Volatile Oil from Turpentine. 

Characters. — A transparent, amber-colored substance, hard, brittle, pul- 
verizable; fracture glossy and shallow-conchoidal ; odor and taste faintly tere- 
binthinate. Sp. gr., 1. 070 to 1. 080. Solubility. — In Alcohol, Ether, and 
fixed or volatile oils ; also in solution of Potassium or Sodium Hydrate. 

Composition. — Resin may be considered as containing Abietic Acid 
Anhydride, C w H 64 5 , 80 to 90 per cent. 

Resin is contained in Ceratum Cantharidis. ] 

Preparations. 

[1. Ceratum Resinae. — Resin Cerate. Synonym. — Basilicon 
Ointment. Resin, 350; Yellow Wax, 150; Lard, 500. 
Resin Cerate is contained in Linimentum Terebinthinae. 

2. Emplastrum Resinae. — Resin Plaster. Synonym. — Adhesive 
Plaster. Resin, 140 ; Lead Plaster, 800 ; Yellow Wax, 60. 
Resin Plaster is contained in Emplastrum Arnicas, Emplastrum Belladonna?, 
and Emplastrum Capsici.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Resin. 

Resin is antiseptic and slightly stimulant, and is, therefore, an 
excellent application for indolent ulcers, sores and wounds. 
Resin soap is formed by boiling together in an evaporating dish 
for two hours : resin, 6; caustic soda, 1; and water, 25; sepa- 
rating the soap by a strainer, and drying on a water-bath. It 
may be used as an emulsifying agent, but the taste is very dis- 
agreeable. 

THUS AMERICANUM. 

FRANKINCENSE. [B. P., not official.]— The concrete oleo-resin 
scraped off the trunks of Pinus tceda, Frankincense Pine, and Pinus australis, 
the Swamp Pine (nat. ord. Conifem). Habitat. — Southern United States. 

Characters. — When fresh it is a soft, yellow, opaque, tough, solid, 
becoming darker, dry and brittle by keeping. Odor and taste as of other 
Turpentines. 



524 organic materia medica. 

Uses of Frankincense. 

Frankincense is used for the same purposes as resin {see p. 

523). 

TEREBINTHINA CANADENSIS. 

CANADA TURPENTINE.— Synonyms.— Canada Balsam. [Balsam 
of Fir. A liquid oleo-resin obtained from Abies balsamea (Linne) Miller 
(nat. ord. Conifercs). Habitat. — Canada : nd Northern United States, west to 
Minnesota, and south along the mountains to Virginia. 

Characters. — A yellowish or faintly greenish, transparent, viscid liquid, 
of an agreeable, terebinthinate odor, and a bitterish, slightly acrid taste. When 
exposed to the air, it gradually dries, forming a transparent mass. Solubility. 
— Completely in Ether, Chloroform or Benzol. 

Composition. — (1) A volatile oil, 20 to 30 per cent. (2) Resin. (3) A 
bitter principle soluble in water.] 

Canada Turpentine is contained in Collodium Flexile. 

Action and Therapeutics of Canada Turpentine. 

Canada turpentine is rarely used except for its physical pro- 
perty of drying to form an adhesive varnish. It has the same 
action as oil of turpentine. 

SINAPIS. 

1. SINAPIS ALBA.— White Mustard. [The seed of Brassica alba 
(Linne) Hooker filius et Thompson (nat. ord. Cruciferce). Habitat. — Asia 
and Southern Europe ; cultivated. 

Characters. — About 2 mm. in diameter, almost globular, with a circular 
hilum ; testa yellowish, finely pitted, hard ; embryo oily, with a curved 
radicle, and two cotyledons, one folded over the other ; free from starch ; in- 
odorous ; taste pungent and acrid. ] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) A bland fixed oil, [20 to 
25 per cent.] (2) Sinalbin, [C a0 H w N 2 S 2 O 16 ,] and Myrosin ; the latter is an 
Enzyme, and in contact with water converts Sinalbin, which is a Glucoside, 
into a fixed pungent body, very acrid, called Acrinyl Sulp/wcyanide, 
[C 7 H 7 ONCS], Glucose, and Sinapine Sulphate, [C^H^NOgtLjSOj. 

2. SINAPIS NIGRA.— Black Mustard. [The seed of Brassica nigra 
(Linne) Koch (nat. ord. C)-ucifercc). Habitat. — Asia and Southern Europe; 
cultivated. 

Characters. — About 1 mm. in diameter, almost globular, with a circular 
hilum ; testa blackish-brown or grayish-brown, finely pitted, hard, embryo 
oily, with a curved radicle, and two cotyledons, one folded over the other; 
free from starch ; inodorous when dry, but when triturated with water, of a 
pungent, penetrating, irritating odor ; taste pungent and acrid.] 



VOLATILE OILS. 525 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) The same fixed oil as the 
white seeds, about 35 per cent. (2) Sinigrin (which is Potassium Myronate, 
C 10 H lg KO 10 NS 2 , a potassium salt of myronic acid, which is a crystalline gluco- 
side) and Myrosin, an enzyme which on contact with water converts Sinigrin 
into the official volatile Oil of Mustard, {see below) (C 3 H 5 CNS, which is 
Ally I Sulphocyanide), Glucose, and Potassium Sulphate. The volatile oil is 
very pungent and highly volatile, and its development on the addition of water 
explains the pungency of ordinary mustard. 

Resembling black mustard seeds. — Colchicum seeds, which are larger, 
lighter and not quite globular. 

Preparation, 

[Charta Sinapis. — Mustard Paper. Black Mustard, 100. Per- 
colate the Mustard with a sufficient quantity of Benzin. Remove the 
powder and dry ; add this to the solution ; India rubber, 10 ; Benzin, 
100 ; and Carbon Disulphide, 100 ; and with a brush apply to one side 
of a piece of rather stiff, well-sized paper, and dry.] 

3. OLEUM SINAPIS VOLATILE.— Volatile Oil of Mustard. 
[AIM Sulphocyanide, C 3 H 5 CNS. A volatile oil obtained from Black Mus- 
tard by maceration with Water and subsequent distillation. 

Characters. — A colorless or pale yellow, limpid, and strongly refractive 
liquid, having a very pungent and acrid odor and taste. Sp. gr., 1.018 to 
1.029. Solubility. — Freely in Alcohol, Ether or Carbon Bisulphide.] 

Preparation. 
Linimentum Sinapis [Compositum. — Compound Liniment of 
Mustard. Volatile Oil of Mustard, 30 ; Fluid Extract of Mezereum, 
200; Camphor, 60; Castor Oil, 1 50 ; Alcohol, to IOOO; by solution.] 

Action of Mustard. 

External. — Mustard is a typical powerful local irritant. 
Thus it first produces dilatation of the vessels, which causes red- 
ness of the skin (rubefacient effect) and a sensation of warmth. 
Because of the irritant action of mustard on the sensory nerves, 
a severe burning pain is soon felt. The irritation of the nerves 
is followed by their paralysis, consequently there is a local loss 
of sensibility, and a diminution both of the pain produced by 
the mustard and of any that may have been present before its 
application. The irritation of the vessels leads to the transuda- 
tion of plasma through them ; this, collecting under the epidermis, 
raises it, and thus vesicles, blebs, or blisters, are formed (vesi- 
cant effect.) Mustard is also a counter-irritant {see p. 61); 



526 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

that is to say, the stimulation of the cutaneous nerves reflexly 
leads to an alteration in the size of the vessels of the viscera 
under the seat of application. 

This excitation of the sensory nerves is sufficiently powerful 
to reflexly stimulate the heart and respiration, and some- 
times to restore consciousness after fainting. 

Internal. — Gastro-intestinal tract. —Mustard also acts here 
as an irritant. Taken in the usual small quantities as a condi- 
ment, it causes a sense of warmth in the stomach, it moderately 
stimulates the secretion of gastric juice and the peristaltic 
movements, and therefore sharpens the appetite. A dose of one 
to four teaspoonfuls [4. to 15. gm.] stirred up in a tumbler of 
[lukewarm] water is sufficiently irritating to be a direct stomachic 
emetic, causing prompt vomiting without the depression which 
usually attends emetics, because the mustard reflexly stimulates 
the heart and respiration. 

Therapeutics of Mustard. 

External. — A poultice made with flaxseed and having a little 
mustard (1 to 16 of flaxseed) sprinkled on it is a very 'common 
and efficacious application as an irritant and counter-irritant in 
rheumatism, pleurisy, pneumonia, bronchitis, pericarditis, and 
many inflammatory diseases. In the manner already explained, 
it will, when applied to the skin, soothe pain in gastralgia, colic, 
painful diseases of the chest, neuralgia, lumbago, etc. The 
paper or any of the mustard leaves that are sold, moistened in 
water, form an excellent application. Often the local applica- 
tion of mustard over the stomach relieves vomiting. A large 
mustard poultice applied to the legs was formerly used as a reflex 
stimulant in cases of syncope, asphyxia, and coma. 

Common colds and febrile conditions, especially in children, 
are often treated by placing the feet and legs or the whole body 
in mustard and water as hot as can be borne [1 to 128], the 
object being by the cutaneous dilatation to withdraw blood from 
the inflamed part. A mustard sitz-bath may be taken at the 
time of the expected period, to induce menstruation. 

Internal. — Mustard is used as a condiment, and also as an 



VOLATILE OILS. 5^7 

emetic. It is especially valuable for poisoning by narcotics, be- 
cause of its reflex stimulant effects. 

OLEUM CAJUPUTI. 

[OIL OF CAJUPUT.— A volatile oil distilled from the leaves of 
Melaleuca Leucadendron Linne (nat. ord. Myrtacece). Habitat. — East Indian 
Islands. 

Characters. — A light, thin, bluish-green, or after rectification, colorless 
liquid, having a peculiar, agreeable, distinctly camphoraceous odor, and an 
aromatic, bitterish taste. Sp. gr. , 0.922 to 0.929. Solubility. — Readily in 
Alcohol. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Cajuptttol, C 10 H 18 O ; (67 
per cent. ) said to be identical with Cineol, and is isomeric with Eucalyptol. 
(2) Terpineol, C 10 H 18 O, and (3) Several terpenes, — C 10 H 16 ( cajuputene, ) and 

C 15 H 24' 

Impurities. — Copper, and other oils. 
Dose, 1 to 5 m, ; [.06 to .30 c.c] 

Action of Oil of Cajuput. 

The action of oil of cajuput is exactly the same as that of the 
oil of cloves (q. v.) 

Therapeutics of Oil of Cajuput. 

External. — Oil of cajuput is used as a stimulant, irritant, 
and counter-irritant — usually diluted with sweet oil — for all sorts 
of purposes when any of these effects are needed. Thus it is 
rubbed in for chilblains, myalgia, rheumatic pains, chronic in- 
flammatory conditions of the joints or periosteum. It has also 
been employed as a parasiticide for Tinea tonsurans. The only 
objection to its use is its strong smell. 

Internal. — It is occasionally given in dyspepsia, usually com- 
bined with other remedies, for the sake of its carminative, stom- 
achic, and anti -spasmodic effects ; it may be taken on sugar. 

EUCALYPTUS. 

[EUCALYPTUS.— The leaves of Eucalyptus globulus Labillardiere 
(nat. ord. Myrtacece), collected from the older parts of the tree. Habitat. — 
Australia ; cultivated in subtropical countries. 

Characters. — Petiolate, lanceolately scythe-shaped, from 15 to 30 cm. 
long, rounded below, tapering above, entire, leathery, grayish -green, glandu- 



528 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

lar, feather- veined between the midrib, and marginal veins ; odor strongly 
camphoraceous ; taste pungently aromatic and somewhat cooling, bitter and 
astringent. 

COMPOSITION. — (I) A volatile oil (see below); (2) Cerylic Alcohol ; (3) 
A crystallizable Fatty Acid; (4) A crystallizable Resin. 

Dose, y 2 to 2 dr. ; 2. to 8. gm. 

Preparation. 

Extractum Eucalypti Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Eucalyptus. 
By maceration and percolation with Alcohol and Water, and evapora- 
tion. 

Dose, y 2 to 2 fl. dr. ; 2. to 8. c.c] 

OLEUM EUCALYPTI.— [Oil of Eucalyptus. A volatile oil dis- 
tilled from the fresh leaves of Eucalyptus globulus Labillardiere, Eucalyptus 
oleosa F. v. Mueller, and some other species of Eucalyptus (nat. ord. 
Myrtacece). 

Characters. — A colorless or faintly yellowish liquid, having a charac- 
teristic, aromatic, somewhat comphoraceous odor, and a pungent, spicy, and 
cooling taste. Sp. gr., 0.915 to 0.925. Solubility. — In all proportions, in 
Alcohol, Carbon Disulphide, or Glacial Acetic Acid.] The oils from different 
species of Eucalyptus vary very much. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Eucalyptol C 10 H 18 O or 
Cineol (about 70 per cent.) ; [(2) Cymene, C 10 H 14 ; (3) Eucalyptene, C 10 H 16 ; 
(4) Tannic Acid.] 

INCOMPATIBLES. — Alkalies, mineral acids, and metallic salts. 

Dose, 5 to 30 m. ; [.30 to 2.00 c.c. 

EUCALYPTOL.— Eucalyptol C 10 H 18 O=i53.66. A neutral body 
obtained from the volatile oil of Eucalyptus globulus Labillardiere, and of 
some other species of Eucalyptus (nat. ord. Myrtacecz). 

SOURCE. — In the distillation of Eucalyptus leaves, crude Eucalyptol comes 
over between 338 and 35 2. 4 F. ; 170 and 178 C, and is purified by re-dis- 
tillation from Caustic Potash or Calcium Chloride. 

Characters. — A colorless liquid, having a characteristic, aromatic, and 
distinctly camphoraceous odor, and a pungent, spicy, and cooling taste. Sp. 
gr. , 0.930. Solubility. — In all proportions, in Alcohol, Carbon Disulphide, 
and Glacial Acetic Acid. 

Dose, 5 to 30 m. ; .30 to 2.00 c.c] 

Action of Eucalyptus. 

External. — Oil of eucalyptus is much less irritant when 
applied externally than other volatile oils, but if its vapor is con- 
fined it will produce vesication and pustulation. It is power- 



VOLATILE OILS. 529 

fully antiseptic and disinfectant. Old oil is more anti- 
septic than new, probably from the greater amount of ozone it 
contains. 

Internal. — Gastro-intestinal tract. — In medicinal doses oil 
of eucalyptus is stomachic,, having the same action as oil of cloves. 
In large doses it produces severe gastro-intestinal irritation, as 
shown by vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain. 

Circulation, — It, like quinine, arrests the movements of the 
white blood-corpuscles ; and it likewise resembles this drug in its 
antipyretic and its antiperiodic actions, and also, it is said, in 
causing contraction of spleen ; but quinine is in all respects the 
more energetic. In medicinal doses the heart is stimulated by 
oil of eucalyptus, and the blood-pressure rises ; probably these 
effects are reflex from the stomach. After large quantities the 
action of the heart is enfeebled, and temperature falls. 

Respiration. — Small doses slightly accelerate, poisonous doses 
slow respiration. 

Nervous system. — Large doses are powerfully depressant to the 
brain, to the medulla, and to the spinal cord, abolishing reflex 
action. Death occurs from paralysis of respiration. 

Mucous membranes, kidneys, atid skin. — Like other volatile 
oils, eucalyptus is excreted by all these channels. It imparts its 
odor to and disinfects the breath and the urine. It stimulates the 
organs by which it is excreted, consequently it is a diaphoretic, a 
stimulating expectorant, a diuretic, and a stimulant to the genito- 
urinary tract. Large doses cause renal congestion. 

Therapeutics of Eucalyptus. 

External. — It is used as an antiseptic for wounds, sores, and 
ulcers. It is three times as powerful as carbolic acid, and is there- 
fore preferred by some surgeons. A eucalyptus gauze has been 
prepared as a dressing for wounds, which may be washed with a 
weak solution of the oil in alcohol. An ointment of oil of euca- 
lyptus, 8 ; iodoform, 1 ; hard paraffin and vaseline, of each 40, is 
applied to chancres. An emulsion of the oil is used as an ure- 
thral injection. It would probably be an efficient parasiticide. 

Internal. — A vapor or the spray of oil of eucalyptus has 

34 



530 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

been recommended for diphtheria and fetid bronchitis, and it is 
sometimes given by the mouth to correct the fcetor of the expec- 
toration. Occasionally it is used for its stomachic and carminative 
effects, especially if the faeces are very foul smelling, and some 
employ it in cystitis and pyelitis. It has been prescribed in 
septicaemia. As an antiperiodic for ague and an antipyretic it 
is far inferior to quinine. [In most cases eucalyptol can be sub- 
stituted for the oil with advantage.] 

OLEUM ROSMARINI. 

OIL OF ROSEMARY.— [A volatile oil distilled from the leaves of 
Rosmarinus officinalis Linne (nat. ord. .Labiate). Habitat. — Basin of the 
Mediterranean ; cultivated. 

Characters. — A colorless or pale yellow, limpid liquid, having the 
characteristic pungent odor of Rosemary, and a warm, somewhat camphora- 
ceous taste. Sp. gr. , 0.895 to °-9 I 5- Solubility. — In an equal volume of 
Alcohol ; also soluble in an equal volume of Glacial Acetic Acid. ] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) The terpene, Pinene, 
[C 10 H 16 , 80 per cent.] (2) Cineol, [C 10 H 18 O]. (3) Bomeol, [C 10 H 16 O], an 
alcohol isomeric with Geraniol (a. v.). (4) Linalool (see p. 545). (5) 
Menthol (see p. 547). 

Oil of Rosemary is contained in Linimentum Saponis and Tinctura Lav- 
andulae Compositse. 

Dose, 1 to 5 m. ; [.06 to .30 ex.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Oil of Rosemary. 

Oil of rosemary has an action similar to that of other aromatic 
volatile oils. It is very commonly used to give a pleasant scent 
to lotions and other preparations which are used externally. 

ARNICA. 

[ARNICA FLORES.— Arnica Flowers. The flower heads of Arnica 
montana Linne (nat. ord. Composite?). Synonym. — Leopardsbane. Habitat. 
— Europe and Northern Asia ; in mountainous districts. 

Characters. — Heads about 3 cm. broad, depressed-roundish, consisting 
of scaly involucre in two rows, and a small, nearly flat, hairy receptacle, bear- 
ing about sixteen yellow, strap-shaped, ten-nerved ray-florets, and numerous 
yellow, five-toothed, tubular disk-florets, having slender, spindle-shaped 
achenes, crowned by a hairy pappus. Odor feeble, aromatic ; taste bitter and 
acrid. 

Composition. — (1) Arnicin^ an amorphous, yellow, acrid, bitter principle; 



VOLATILE OILS. 53 I 

easily soluble in Alcohol and Ether. (2) Volatile Oil. (3) Caprylic and 
Capronic Acids. (4) Resin. (5) Tannic acid. 
Dose, 10 to 20 gr. ; .60 to 1.20 gm. 

Preparation. 

Tinctura Arnicae Florum. — Tincture of Arnica Flowers. Arnica 
Flowers, 200 ; by percolation with Diluted Alcohol to 1000. 
Dose, 10 to 30 m. ; .60 to 2.00 c.c] 

ARNICA [RADIX. — Arnica Root. The rhizome and roots of Arnica 
montana Linne (nat. ord. Composite). 

Characters. — Rhizome about 5 cm. long, and 3 or 4 mm. thick ; exter- 
nally brown, rough from leaf-scars ; internally whitish, with a rather thick 
bark, containing a circle of resin-cells, surrounding the short, yellowish wood- 
wedges, and large spongy pith. The roots numerous, thin, fragile, grayish- 
brown, with a thick bark containing a circle of resin-cells. Odor somewhat 
aromatic ; taste pungently aromatic and bitter.] Resembling Arnica. — Vale- 
rian and Serpentaria, each having a characteristic odor ; Veratrum Viride, 
having thicker rootlets. 

Composition. — The same as of the flowers. 

Dose, 5 to 20 gr. ; [.30 to 1.20 gm.] 

Preparations. 

[1. Extractum Arnicae Radicis. — Extract of Arnica Root. By 
maceration and percolation with Diluted Alcohol, and evaporation. 
Extract of Arnica Root is used to make Emplastrum Arnicas. 
Dose, 5 to 10 gr. ; .30 to .60 gm. 

2. Extractum Arnicae Radicis Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of 
Arnica Root. By maceration and percolation with Alcohol and Water, 
and evaporation. 

Dose, 5 to 20 m. ; .30 to 1.20 c.c. 

3. Tinctura Arnicas Radicis. — Tincture of Arnica Root. Arnica 
Root, 100 ; by maceration and percolation with Alcohol and Water to 
1000. 

Dose, 5 to 10 m. ; .30 to .60 c.c. 

4. Emplastrum Arnicae. — Arnica Plaster. Extract of Arnica 
Root, 330 ; resin plaster, 670. ] 

Action and Therapeutics of Arnica. 

External. — The action of arnica is the same as that of vola- 
tile oils generally. Externally the tincture is used as an applica- 
tion to bruises, but it is very doubtful how far its good effects 



53 2 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

are owing to the [alcohol] and how far to any increase of cuta- 
neous vascularity due to the volatile oil of the arnica. 

Internal. — It is rarely given internally, but in small doses it 
is a stomachic, a carminative, and a reflex stimulant, and in 
larger doses causes vomiting and purging. It is excreted by the 
kidneys and mucous membranes, and it has been credited with 
obscure effects on the central nervous system. 

MEZEREUM. 

[MEZEREUM. — Synonym. — Mezereon. The bark of Daphne Meze- 
reum Linne, and other species of Daphne (nat. ord. Thymel<zacece). Habitat. 
— Europe in mountainous regions, eastward to Siberia ; spontaneous in Canada 
and New England. 

Characters. — In long thin bands, usually folded or rolled into disks; 
outer surface yellowish or brownish yellow, with transverse scars, and minute, 
blackish dots, underneath of a light greenish color ; inner surface whitish, 
silky ; bast in transverse layers, very tough ; inodorous ; taste very acrid. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (i) Mezerein, a soft, acrid 
resin. (2) An acrid, rubefacient, volatile oil. (3) Daphnin, C 15 H 16 9 -(- 
2H 2 0, a bitter glucoside in fine needles or rectangular plates. (4) Coccogin, 
C 20 H 22 O 8 , a bitter principle. 

Mezereum is contained in Decoctum Sarsaparilloe Compositum and Ex- 
tractum Sarsaparillse Compositum Fluidum. 

Preparation. 

Extractum Mezerei Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Mezereum. By 
maceration and percolation with Alcohol and evaporation. 

Fluid Extract of Mezeremn is used in Linimentum Sinapis Com- 
positum. 

Dose, 5 to 15 m. ; .30 to 1.00 c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Mezereum. 

[External. — Mezereum has the same action as volatile oils 
generally. It is a powerful rubefacient and vesicant externally, 
and is used chiefly in the compound mustard liniment, where it 
excites the same effects and is employed for the same purposes as 
the oil of mustard. Almost its only use at present is to keep 
open an issue, a procedure which is very rarely employed. 

Internal. — It is a gastric stimulant, producing, in large doses, 
vomiting and diarrhoea.] 



VOLATILE OILS. 533 

ELEMI. 

[MANILLA ELEMI (not official.) — A concrete resinous exudation, 
probably from Canarium commune (nat. ord. Bursaracea). Habitat. — 
Manilla. 

Characters. — A soft unctuous mass, becoming harder and yellowish by 
age. Strong fennel-like odor. Resembling Elemi. — Asafcetida, Galbanum, 
and Ammoniacum, but Elemi is known by its odor. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Resinous bodies, 80 per 
cent. (2) A volatile oil. 

Action and Therapeutics of Elemi. 

Elemi acts like volatile oils generally, but is only used as a 
stimulating disinfectant ointment which was formerly official in 
B. P. as elemi, 1; ointment, 4.] 

Class II.— THOSE USED CHIEFLY FOR THEIR ACTION ON 
THE GASTRO-INTESTINAL TRACT. 

PYRETHRUM. 

PYRETHRUM.— Synonym.— Pellitory. [The root of Anacyclus Py- 
rethrum (Linne) De Candolle (nat. ord. Composites}. Habitat. — Highlands 
of Northern Africa. 

Characters. — From 5 to 10 cm. long, and I to 2 cm. thick, somewhat 
fusiform, nearly simple, annulate above, wrinkled below, externally dark gray- 
ish brown ; internally brownish- white ; fracture short ; bark rather thick, con- 
taining two circles of resin-cells, and surrounding the slender wood bundles 
and medullary rays, the latter having about four circles of shining resin- cells • 
inodorous, pungent and very acrid.] Resembling Pyrethru??i. — Taraxacum, 
which is darker and has not a burning taste. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Two volatile oils. [(2) An 
acrid, brown Resin. (3) Inulin, 50 per cent., which in many plants replaces 
starch. 

Dose, ^ to 1 dr. ; 2. to 4. gm.] 

Preparation. 

Tinctura Pyrethri. — [Tincture of Pyrethrum. Pyrethrum, 200 ; 
by maceration and percolation with Alcohol and Water to 1000.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Pyrethrum. 
Pyrethrum is a powerful sialogogue, and causes a burning sen- 
sation in the mouth, followed by numbness and tingling. Small 
quantities give a pleasant taste to tooth powders. 



534 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

CARYOPHYLLUS. 

CLOVES. — [The unexpanded flowers of Eugenia aromatica (Linne) O. 
Kuntze (nat. ord. Myrtacece). Habitat. — Molucca Islands ; cultivated in 
tropical countries. 

Characters. — About 15 mm. long, dark brown, consisting of a sub- 
cylindrical, solid and granular calyx-tube, terminated by four teeth, and sur- 
mounted by a globular head, formed of four petals, which cover numerous 
curved stamens, and one style. Cloves emit oil, when scratched, and have a 
strong, aromatic odor, and a pungent, spicy taste.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Oleum CaryopAylli [(see 
below), 18 per cent.] (2) Eugenin [Ci H 12 O 2 ], a crystalline body. (3) 
Caryophyllin, [C 10 H 16 O,] a neutral body isomeric with Camphor. 

[Cloves are contained in Vinum Opii, Tinctura Rhei Aromatica, and Tinc- 
tura Lavandulae Composita. 

Dose, 5 to 30 gr. ; .30 to 2.00 gm.] 

OLEUM CARYOPHYLLL— [Oil of Cloves. A volatile oil distilled 
from Cloves. 

Characters. — A pale yellow, thin liquid, becoming darker and thicker 
by age and exposure to the air, having a strongly aromatic odor of Cloves, and 
a pungent and spicy taste. Sp. gr., 1.060 to 1.067. Solubility. — Soluble in 
an equal volume of Alcohol ; also soluble in an equal volume of glacial Acetic 
Acid.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Eugenol {Synonym. — 
Eugenic Acid), C 10 H ]2 O 2 , 85 per cent., which chemically resembles Phenol, 
and forms permanent Salts with Alkalies. This is also found in Oil of Pi- 
menta. (2) A terpene (Caryophyllene), C 15 H 24 . 

Incompatibles. — Lime water, iron salts, mineral acids, and gelatin. 

Dose, 1 to 5 m. ; [.06 to .30 c.c] 

Action of Cloves and Oil of Cloves. 

Oil of cloves is a typical example of a volatile oil the most 
important actions of which are exerted in the stomach. 

External. — When rubbed into the skin it is stimulant, 
rubefacient, irritant, and counter-irritant, and gives rise to 
considerable vascular dilatation. At first it causes a sensation of 
tingling and pain, which afterwards is replaced by local anaes- 
thesia. It is a parasiticide and antiseptic. 

Internal. — Mouth. — In the mouth, oil of cloves produces 
the same effects as on the skin : there is a burning sensation 
accompanied by vascular dilatation and an increased flow of 



VOLATILE OILS. 535 

saliva, and followed by local anaesthesia. Cloves stimulate the 
nerves of taste, and being volatile and aromatic, those of smell 
also ; by both these means taste is sharpened. 

Stomach. — The stimulant effect of cloves is experienced here. 
The vessels are dilated, peristalsis is accelerated, the 
secretion of gastric juice is excited, and as cloves are pleasant 
and aromatic, they do not ordinarily produce nausea ; conse- 
quently the appetite is increased. The combined effect of 
these actions is to aid digestive processes — therefore oil of cloves 
is stomachic; and to facilitate the expulsion of gas — thus it is 
carminative. The stimulation of the gastric nerves to a slight 
extent reflexly affects the heart in the same way as alcohol ; 
therefore the rate and force of the pulse are moderately 
increased. 

Intestines. — Here likewise oil of cloves dilates the vessels, and 
stimulates the secretion and the muscular coat of the intestine ; 
consequently colicky pains due to irregular contraction of it are 
relieved, and flatus is expelled. 

Circulation. — Oil of cloves is readily absorbed from the intes- 
tine, circulates in the blood, and is said to increase the number 
of white corpuscles. It may, to a slight extent, stimulate the 
heart directly, but the greater part of the stimulation of the heart 
excited by it is reflex from the stomach. It is credited with the 
power of arresting painful spasmodic contractions in various parts 
of the body. It can, as we have seen, do this in the intestine, 
and possibly it may have to a slight extent the same action in the 
bronchial tubes, heart, etc. This causes it to be called anti- 
spasmodic. 

Mucous membranes. — Like other volatile oils it is excreted by 
the kidneys, skin, bronchi, and genito-urinary tract, and in pass- 
ing through these structures will act as a stimulating disinfect- 
ant to their secretion ; but oil of cloves is never used for these 
purposes. 

Therapeutics of Cloves and Oil of Cloves. 

External. — Oil of cloves is too [expensive] for frequent ex- 
ternal application, but on account of its local anaesthetic effect it 



536 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

has been used for neuralgia. It is employed to give a pleasant 
scent to liniments. 

Internal. — The oil is sometimes dropped into decayed teeth 
to relieve pain. Cloves are frequently employed in cookery for 
their taste, and because they stimulate the appetite and aid diges- 
tion. The oil or infusion [B. P., 1 to 40] may be used medici- 
nally as a stomachic, as a carminative, as an anti-spasmodic, or 
to relieve colicky pains in indigestion. It will be noticed that 
oil of cloves is [sometimes combined with preparations of scam - 
mony, of castor oil, and of] colocynth. This is to prevent the 
griping these purgatives might otherwise cause. 

PIMENTA. 

PIMENTA. — [Synonym. — Allspice. The nearly ripe fruit of Pimento, 
officinalis Lindley (nat. ord. Myrtacece). Habitat. — Tropical America; culti- 
vated. 

Characters. — About 5 mm. in diameter, nearly globular, crowned with 
the short, four-parted calyx or its remnants, and a short style ; brownish or 
brownish gray, granular and glandular, two- celled ; each cell containing one 
brown plano-convex, roundish-reniform seed ; odor and taste pungently aro- 
matic, clove-like.] Resembling Pimenta. — Pepper, which has no calyx; 
Cubeb, which is stalked. 

Composition. — The chief ingredient is [Oleum Pwientce [see below), 
which is chemically almost identical with the volatile oil found in cloves. 

Dose, 5 to 30 gr. ; .30 to 2.00 gm.] 

OLEUM PIMENTO.— [Oil of Pimenta. Synonym.— Oil of Allspice. 
A volatile oil distilled from Pimenta. 

Characters. — A colorless or pale yellow liquid, having a strong, aro- 
matic, Clove like odor, and a pungent, spicy taste. It becomes darker and 
thicker by age and exposure to the air. Sp. gr., 1.045 to J - 55- Solubility. 
— With an equal volume of Alcohol it forms a clear solution. 

Composition. — (1) Eugenol, 70 per cent. (2) A sesquiterpene. 

Oil of Pimenta is used in Spiritus Myrciae. 

Dose, 1 to 5 m. ; .06 to .30 c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Allspice. 

The action and uses of pimenta and its oil are precisely the 
same as those of cloves and oil of cloves. 



VOLATILE OILS. 537 

PIPER. 

PEPPER. — [Synonym. — ■ Black Pepper. The unripe fruit of Piper 
Nigrum, Linne (nat. ord. Piperacece). Habitat. — India ; cultivated in the 
tropics. 

Characters. — Globular, about 4 mm. in diameter, reticulately wrinkled, 
brownish-black, or grayish-black, internally lighter, hollow, with an undevel- 
oped embryo; odor aromatic; taste pungently spicy.] Resembling Black 
Pepper. — Pimenta, which has a calyx ; Cubeb, which is stalked. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) An Oleoresin, readily yield- 
ing a volatile oil, [1 to 2 per cent.] with the odor of pepper, and a resin. (2) 
Piperin, (see below), 6 to 8 per cent. 

Dose, 5 to 20 gr. ; .30 to 1.20 gm. 

Preparation. 
Oleoresina Piperis. — Oleoresin of Pepper. By percolation with 
Ether, distillation and evaporation of the residue. 
Dose, }i to 1 gr. ; .015 to .06 gm. 

PIPERINUM.— Piperin. C 17 H 19 N0 3 =284. 38. A neutral principle ob- 
tained from Pepper, and obtainable also from other plants of the natural order 
Piperacece. 

Characters. — Colorless or pale yellowish, shining, prismatic crystals, 
odorless and almost tasteless when first put in the mouth, but on prolonged 
contact producing a sharp and bitter sensation. Permanent in the air. Solu- 
bility. — Almost insoluble in water ; soluble in 30 parts of Alcohol ; also 
slightly soluble in Ether. Isomeric with Morphine, it decomposes into Piperic 
Acid, C 12 H 10 O i5 and a liquid Alkaloid Piperidine, C 5 H U N. 

Dose, 1 to 10 gr. ; .06 to .60 gm.] 

Action of Pepper. 
Pepper, because of its volatile oil, acts like other substances 
containing volatile oils ; thus externally it is at first rubefacient 
and counter-irritant, and subsequently it acts as an anodyne. 
Internally it increases the secretions of the mouth, and in the 
stomach it is stomachic and carminative. During its excretion 
it stimulates the mucous membrane of the genito-urinary tract. 
Piperin is believed to be a feeble antipyretic and antiperiodic. 

Therapeutics of Pepper. 

Occasionally pepper is used externally as an irritant for the 
same class of cases as mustard. Internally it may be applied in 
the form of a gargle, as a stimulant for the relaxed conditions of 



538 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

the throat. It is taken in the form of a condiment for its 
stomachic properties. The confection [B. P. , Pepper, 2 ; car- 
away, 3; honey, 15. Synonym. — Ward's paste], or pepper 
lozenges are given empirically to relieve haemorrhoids, ulcers of 
the rectum, and fissures of the anus. 

MYRISTICA. 

NUTMEG. — [The seed of Myristica Fragrans Houttuyn (nat. ord. 
Myristicacea:), deprived of its testa. Habitat. — Molucca Islands ; cultivated 
in tropical countries. 

Characters. — Oval or roundish-ovate, about 25 mm. long, light brown, 
reticulately furrowed, with a circular scar on the broad end ; internally pale 
brownish, with dark orange-brown veins, and of a fatty lustre ; odor strongly 
aromatic ; taste aromatic, warm, and somewhat bitter. ] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) The fixed oil, 25 to 30 
per cent, {see below). (2) The volatile oil [see below), 2 to 8 per cent. 

Nutmeg is contained in [Pulvis Aromaticus, and Tinctura Lavandulae 
Composita. ] 

Dose, 5 to 15 gr. ; [.30 to 1.00 gm.] 

[OLEUM MYRISTICA EXPRESSUM. (Not official).— Ex- 
pressed Oil of Nutmeg. A concrete oil obtained by expression and heat from 
Nutmeg. 

Characters. — Orange-brown or orange-yellow, mottled, of a firm consis- 
tence ; odor like Nutmeg. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Glyceryl Oleate, C 3 H 5 
(C 18 H 33 2 ) 3 . (2) Glyceryl Bulyrate, C 3 H 5 (C u H 7 2 ) 3 . (3) Glyceryl Myris- 
tate, C 3 H 5 (C u Ii 27 2 ) 3 . (4) A little volatile oil. (5) A little resin.] 

OLEUM MYRISTICiE.— [Oil of Nutmeg. A volatile oil distilled 
from Nutmeg. 

Characters. — A thin, colorless or pale yellowish liquid, having the 
characteristic odor of Nutmeg and a warm, spicy taste. It becomes darker 
and thicker by age and exposure to the air. Sp. gr., 0.870 to 0.900. Solu- 
bility. — In an equal volume of Alcohol.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Myristicene [C 10 H 16 ,], a 
terpene. (2) Myristicol, [C 10 H u O, a stearopten, isomeric with Carvol. 

Oil of Nut7iieg is contained in Spiritus Ammoniae Aromaticus.] 

Dose, 1 to 3 m. ; [.06 to .20 c.c] 

Preparation. 

Spiritus Myristicae. — [Spirit of Nutmeg. Synonym. — Essence 
of Nutmeg. Oil of Nutmeg, 50 ; Alcohol, 950. 
Dose, % to 1 fl. dr. ; 2. to 4. c.c] 



VOLATILE OILS. 539 

MACIS. 

[MACE. — The arillode of the seed of Myristica fragrans Houttuyn (nat. 
ord. Myristicacece). Habitat. — Molucca Islands ; cultivated in the tropical 
countries. 

Characters. — In narrow bands, 25 mm. or more long, somewhat 
branched and lobed above, united into broader bands below ; brownish- 
orange ; fatty when scratched or pressed ; odor fragrant, taste warm and 
aromatic. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) A Volatile . Oil, 8 per 
cent., a greater portion of which is Macene, C 10 H 16 . (2) A red fixed Oil. (3) 
Resin. 

Dose, 5 to 20 gr. ; .30 to 1.20 gm.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Nutmeg and Mace. 

The action of oil of nutmeg is the same as that of other 
aromatic oils. [The expressed oil of nutmeg is used in plasters 
as a sweet-smelling stimulant.] Nutmeg [and mace] are much 
employed in cookery for the sake of their volatile oil, which is 
an agreeable stomachic. A liniment, containing one part of the 
expressed oil to three of olive oil, is an elegant antiparasitic for 
mild cases of ringworm. 

CINNAMOMUM. 

[CINNAMOMUM SAIGONICUM.— Saigon Cinnamon. The bark 
of an undetermined species of Cinnamomuni (nat. ord. Laurinece). Habitat. 
— China. 

Characters. — In quills about 15 cm. long, and 10 to 15 mm. in 
diameter, the bark 2 or 3 mm. thick ; outer surface gray or light grayish-brown 
with whitish patches, more or less rough from numerous warts and some trans- 
verse ridges and fine longitudinal wrinkles ; the inner surface cinnamon-brown 
or dark brown, granular and slightly striate ; fracture short, granular, in the 
outer layer cinnamon-colored, having near the cork numerous whitish striae 
forming an almost uninterrupted line ; odor fragrant ; taste sweet, warmly aro- 
matic, somewhat astringent. 

CINNAMOMUM ZEYLANICUM.— Ceylon Cinnamon. The inner 
bark of the shoots of Cinnamomum zeylanicu??i Breyne (nat. ord. Laurinea). 
Habitat. — Ceylon ; cultivated. 

Characters. — Long, closely-rolled quills, composed of eight or more 
layers of bark of the thickness of paper ; pale yellowish-brown ; outer surface 
smooth, marked with wavy lines of bast-bundles ; inner surface striate ; frac- 
ture short splintery ; odor fragrant ; taste sweet and warmly aromatic. 



540 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (i) A Volatile Oil, ^ to i^ 
percent. (2) Tannic acid. (3) Sugar. (4) Mannit.] 
Impurity. — Cassia Bark. 

Preparations. 

[1. Pulvis Aromaticus. — Aromatic Powder. Ceylon Cinnamon, 
35 ; Cardamom, 15 ; Ginger, 35 ; Nutmeg, 15. 

Aro7)iatic Fowder is used to make Extractum Aromaticum Fluidum. 
Dose, 10 to 30 gr. ; .60 to 2.00 gm. 

2. Tinctura Cinnamomi.— Tincture of Cinnamon. Ceylon Cin- 
namon, 100*; Glycerin, 50 ; Alcohol and Water to 1000. By perco- 
lation. 

Dose, 1 to 2 fl. dr. ; 4. to 8. c.c. 

3. Extractum Aromaticum Fluidum. — Aromatic Fluid Ex- 
tract. Aromatic Powder, by maceration and percolation with Alcohol, 
and evaporation. 

Dose, 10 to 30 m. ; .60 to 2.00 c.c. 

CINNAMOMUM CASSIA.— Cassia Cinnamon. Synonym.— Cassia 
Bark. The bark of the shoots of one or more undetermined species of Cinna- 
viomum grown in China (Chinese Cinnamon) (nat. ord. Laurinece). Habitat. 
— China. 

Characters. — In quills of varying length and about 1 mm. or more in 
thickness ; nearly deprived of the corky layer ; yellowish-brown ; outer sur- 
face somewhat rough ; fracture nearly smooth ; odor fragrant ; taste sweet, 
and warmly aromatic. 

Composition. — (1) Volatile Oil {see below). (2) Tannic acid. (3) 
Sugar. (4) Mannit. 

Cassia Cinnamon is contained in Tinctura Cardamomi Composita, Tinc- 
tura Catechu Composita, Tinctura Lavandulae Composita and Vinum Opii.] 

OLEUM CINNAMOMI.— [Oil of Cinnamon. Synonym.— Oil of 
Cassia. A volatile oil distilled from Cassia Cinnamon. 

Characters. — A yellowish or brownish liquid, becoming darker and 
thicker by age and exposure to the air, having the characteristic odor of Cin- 
namon, and a sweetish, spicy, and burning taste. Sp. gr. , 1.055 to 1-065. 
Solubility. — In an equal volume of Alcohol.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Cinnamic Aldehyde, 
C 9 H 8 0, which makes up the greatest part. (2) Eugenol [found also in the 
oils of cloves and nutmeg. (3) In old oil, Cinnamic Acid, C 9 H 8 2 . 

Oil of Cinnamon is contained in Acidum Sulphuricum Aromaticum. 

Dose, 1 to 5 m. ; .06 to .30 c.c] 

Preparations. 
[1. Aqua Cinnamomi. — Cinnamon Water. Oil of Cinnamon, 2 ; 
by trituration with precipitated Calcium Phosphate and addition of Dis- 
tilled Water to 1000. 



VOLATILE OILS. 54 1 

Cinnamon Water is contained in Infusum Digitalis. 
Dose, y 2 to i fl. oz. ; 15. to 30. c.c. 

2. Spiritus Cinnamomi. — Spirit of Cinnamon. Oil of Cinna- 
mon, 100 ; Alcohol, 900. 

Dose, 10 to 30 m. ; .60 to 2.00 c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Cinnamon. 
Oil of cinnamon has the same action as other aromatic vola- 
tile oils, and is therefore stomachic and carminative. Cinnamon 
bark in addition has, in virtue of its tannic acid, some astringent 
action, and is consequently a common flavoring vehicle for 
astringent stomachic powders and mixtures, except such as con- 
tain iron. Finely powdered cinnamon (60 to 90 gr. [4. to 6. 
gm.]), is given night and morning in acute dysentery. 

ARMORACIA. 

HORSE-RADISH. [B. P., not official.]— The fresh root of the Coch- 
learia armoracia (nat. ord. Crucifercz). Habitat. — Cultivated in [the United 
States and Britain. It is most active in the autumn and early spring, before 
the leaves have appeared.] 

Characters. — A long, cylindrical, fleshy root, enlarged at the upper end, 
where it is marked by the scars of fallen leaves, [12 to 25 mm.] in diameter, 
and usually [30 cm.] or more long. Pale yellowish or brownish- white exter- 
nally ; whitish and fleshy within. Taste very pungent. Inodorous unless 
bruised or scraped. Resembling Horse- Radish Root. — Aconite root, which is 
shorter, conical, not cylindrical, darker, and causes tingling and numbness 
when chewed. 

Composition. — The chief constituent is a substance which, by the action 
of an enzyme, yields a volatile oil, Butyl Sulphocyanide, C 4 H 9 CNS. 

Action and Uses of Horse-radish. 

Horse-radish is a condiment, having the same action as mus- 
tard. It has been used as a counter-irritant. The [compound] 
spirit [B. P., scraped horse-radish root, 10 ; bitter orange peel, 
10 ; nutmeg, 1 ; alcohol, 192 ; water, 196 ; dose, 1 to 2 fl. dr. ; 
4. to 8. c.c] is a pleasant flavoring and carminative agent. 

CAPSICUM. 
CAPSICUM. — [Synonyms. — Cayenne Pepper. Guinea Pepper. Afri- 
can Pepper. The fruit of Capsicum fastigiatum Blume (nat. ord. Solanacece). 
Habitat. — Tropical America ; cultivated in tropical countries. 



54 2 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Characters. — Oblong-conical, from 10 to 20 mm. long, supported by a 
flattish, cup-shaped, five-toothed calyx, with a red, shining membranous and 
translucent pericarp, enclosing two cells, and containing flat, reniform, yellow- 
ish seeds attached to a thick, central placenta. , It has a peculiar odor, and an 
intensely hot taste.] Dried and powdered it constitutes red pepper. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are— (1) Capsaicin, [C 9 H 14 N0 2 ], 
a crystallizable acrid substance. (2) Capsicin, a volatile Alkaloid smelling 
like Confine. (3) A fixed oil. (4) A Resin. (5) Fatty matter. 

Impurities. — Various red substances, e.g. , red-lead. 

Dose, 1 to 8 gr. ; [.06 to .50 gm.] 

Preparations. 

[1. Extractum Capsici Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Capsicum. 
By maceration and percolation with Alcohol, and evaporation. 
Dose, 1 to 8 m. ; .06 to .50 c.c. 

2. Oleoresina Capsici. — Oleoresin of Capsicum. By percolation 
with Ether and distillation, and evaporation of the residue. 

Dose, ^toim.; .015 to .06 c.c. 

3. Tinctura Capsici. — Tincture of Capsicum. Capsicum, 50. 
By percolation with Alcohol and Water to 1 000. 

Dose, 5 to 60 m. ; .30 to 4.00 c.c. 

4. Emplastrum Capsici. — Capsicum Plaster. Resin Plaster and 
Oleoresin of Capsicum. Cover muslin with the melted plaster, coat it 
when cool, by brushing on the Oleoresin. ] 

Action of Capsicum. 

The action of capsicum is like that of volatile oils generally. 
Thus externally it is a powerful rubefacient, irritant, and counter- 
irritant. Internally in small doses it stimulates the gastric secre- 
tions, causes dilatation of the gastric vessels, and excites the 
muscular coat. It is therefore stomachic and carminative. 

Therapeutics of Capsicum. 

External. — Capsicum ointment [B. P. — Capsicum, 6 ; sper- 
maceti, 3; olive oil, 22; which resembles Smedley's paste] is 
used as a counter-irritant for pleurisy, sciatica, neuralgia and 
rheumatic pains. 

Internal. — Capsicum is used as a condiment. Medicinally 
it is given as a stomachic and carminative in dyspepsia, particu- 
larly that of drunkards when it is required either to excite the 
appetite and digestion, or to cause the evacuation of gas. 



VOLATILE OILS. 543 

ZINGIBER. 

GINGER. — [The rhizome of Zingiber officinale Roscoe (nat. ord. Sci- 
taminece). Habitat. — India ; cultivated in the tropics. 

Characters. — About 5 to 10 cm. long, 10 to 15 mm. broad, and 4 to 8 
mm. thick, flattish, on one side lobed or clavately branched ; deprived of the 
corky layer ; pale, buff-colored, striate, breaking with a mealy, rather fibrous 
fracture, showing numerous small, scattered resin-cells and fibro-vascular 
bundles, the latter enclosed by a nucleus sheath ; agreeably aromatic, and of a 
pungent and warm taste.] Resembling Ginger. — Turmeric, which is yellow. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are— (1) An aromatic volatile oil, 
[^ to 2 per cent.] giving the flavor. (2) Resin. [(3) Gingerol, to which 
the pungent taste is due (Thresh). 

Ginger is contained in Pulvis Rhei Compositus and Pulvis Aromaticus. 

Dose, 5 to 15 gr. ; .30 to 1.00 gm.] 

Preparations. 

1. Extractum Zingiberis Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Ginger. 
By maceration and percolation with Alcohol, and evaporation. 

Fluid Extract of Ginger is used in Syrupus Zingiberis. 
Dose, 5 to 15 m. ; .30 to 1.00 c.c. 

2. Oleoresina Zingiberis. — Oleoresin of Ginger. By percolation 
with Ether, distillation, and evaporation of the residue. 

Dose, ]/ 2 to 2 m. ; .03 to .12 c.c. 

3. Tinctura Zingiberis. — Tincture of Ginger. Ginger, 200. By 
percolation with Alcohol to 1000. 

Tincture of Ginger is used in Trochisci Zingiberis. 
Dose, % to 1 fl. dr. ; 1. to 4. c.c. 

4. Syrupus Zingiberis. — Syrup of Ginger. . Fluid Extract of 
Ginger, 30 ; Sugar, 850 ; Water to iooo. By trituration with Precipi- 
tated Calcium Phosphate, solution and filtration. 

Dose, y z to 2 fl. dr. ; 2. to 8. c.c. 

5. Trochisci Zingiberis. — Troches of Ginger. Tincture of Gin- 
ger, 20 ; Tragacanth, 4 ; Sugar, 130 gm. ; Syrup of Ginger in sufficient 
quantity to make 100 troches. 

Dose, freely.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Ginger. 

Its action is the same as that of other substances containing 
aromatic volatile oils. It is chiefly used as a stomachic, car- 
minative, and flavoring agent. The oleoresin is a useful addi- 
tion to purgative pills to prevent griping. 



544 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

CARDAMOMUM. 

CARDAMOM.— [The fruit of Elettaria repens (Sonnrat) Baillon (nat. 
ord. Seitaminece). Habitat. — Malabar; cultivated in India. 

Characters. — Ovoid or oblong, from 10 to 15 mm. long, obtusely tri- 
angular, rounded at the base, beaked, longitudinally striate ; of a pale buff 
color, three-celled, with a thin, leathery, nearly tasteless pericarp, and a central 
placenta. The seeds are about 4 mm. long, reddish-brown, angular, rugose, 
depressed at the hilum, surrounded by a thin, membranous arillus, and have 
an agreeable odor and a pungent, aromatic taste. ] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) A volatile oil, 4 to 5 per 
cent., which contains a terpene, C 10 H 16 , called Terpinene. (2) A fixed oil, 
10 to II per cent. The pericarp is medicinally inactive. 

Cardamo?n is contained in Extractum Colocynthidis Compositum, [Pulvis 
Aromaticus, Tinctura Gentianae Composita, Tinctura Rhei, and Tinctura Rhei 
Dulcis]. 

Dose, 10 to 15 gr. ; [.60 to 1.00 gm. 

Preparations. 

1. Tinctura Cardamomi. — Tincture of Cardamom. Cardamom, 
100. By maceration and percolation with Diluted Alcohol to 1000. 

Dose, 1 to 2 fl. dr. ; 4. to 8. c.c. 

2. Tinctura Cardamomi Composita. — Compound Tincture of 
Cardamom. Cardamom, 20 ; Caraway, 10 ; Cassia Cinnamon, 20 ; 
Cochineal, 5 ; Glycerin, 50. By percolation with Diluted Alcohol to 
1000. 

Dose, 2 to 4 fl. dr. ; 8. to 15. c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Cardamom. 

Cardamom, because of its volatile oil, acts like cloves or pep- 
per ; therefore it is carminative and stomachic. As it has a 
pleasant taste, and the [compound] tincture is of a red color, it 
is much used as a coloring and flavoring agent. A good flavor- 
ing carminative is the Tinctura Carminativa of the British Phar- 
maceutical Conference. It contains cardamom, 6 ; tincture of 
ginger, 6 ; oil of cinnamom, oil of caraway, oil of cloves, of 
each, 1; rectified spirit to 96. Dose, 2 to 10 minims [.12 to 

.60 c.c] 

SUMBUL. 

SUMBUL. — Synonym. — Musk Root. [The root of Ferula Sumbul 
(Kauffmann) Hooker filius (nat. ord. UmbellifeKz). Habitat. — Central and 
Northeastern Asia. 



VOLATILE OILS. $4$ 

Characters. — In transverse segments, varying in diameter from about 
2 to 7 cm., and in length from 15 to 30 mm.; light, spongy, annulate or 
longitudinally wrinkled ; bark thin, brown, more or less bristly fibrous ; the 
interior whitish, with numerous brownish-yellow resin dots and irregular, 
easily separated fibres ; odor strong, musk-like ; taste bitter and balsamic.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) A volatile oil. (2) Two 
Resins. (3) Valerianic Acid. (4) Sumbulic and Angelic Acids. 

Preparation. 

Tinctura Sumbul. — [Tincture of Sumbul. Sumbul, 100 ; by 
maceration and percolation with Alcohol and Water to 1000. 
Dose, 1 to 4 fl. dr. ; 4. to 15. c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Sumbul. 
The action of sumbul is the same as that of volatile oils in 
general. It is only used internally, and is given as a carmina- 
tive in flatulence. It is also employed in much the same class 
of cases as valerian — that is to say, in neurotic conditions, hys- 
teria, etc. In Russia it is given chiefly as a stimulant in typhoid 
fever, dysentery, diarrhoea, etc., for the same purposes as musk 
is employed in many other countries. 

OLEUM LAVANDULA [FLORUM.] 

OIL OF LAVENDER [FLOWERS.— A volatile oil distilled from 
the fresh flowers of Lavandula officinalis Chaix (nat. ord. Labiate). Habitat. 
— Southern Europe ; cultivated. 

Characters. —A colorless or yellowish liquid, having the fragrant odor 
of Lavender Flowers, and a pungent and bitter taste. Sp. gr., 0.885 to 
0.897. Solubility. — In all proportions in Alcohol. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Linalool Acetate (also 
found in Oil of Bergamot). (2) Linalool, C 10 H 18 O, which is an alcohol and 
an oxidation product of the terpene, Myrcene, C 10 H 16 . It is isomeric with 
Borneol {see p. 530), Geraniol {q. v. ) and Menthol {see p. 547). (3) Ci?ieol, 
also found in Oil of Eucalyptus {see p. 528) and other volatile oils. 

Impurity. - Oil of Spike. 

Oil of Lavender Flowers is contained in Linimentum Saponis Mollis, 
Spiritus Ammonice Aromaticus, and Unguentum Diachylon. 

Dose, 1 to 5 m. ; .06 to .30 c.c. 

Preparations. 
1. Spiritus Lavandulae. — Spirit of Lavender. Oil of Lavender 
Flowers, 50 ; Deodorized Alcohol, 950. 
Dose, yi to 1 fl. dr. ; 2. to 4. c.c. 

35 



546 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

2. Tinctura Lavandulae Composita. — Compound Tincture of 
Lavender. Synonym. — Compound Spirit of Lavender. Oil of Lav- 
ender Flowers, 8 ; Oil of Rosemary, 2 ; Cassia Cinnamon, 20 ; Cloves, 
5 ; Nutmeg, 10 ; Red Saunders, 10 ; Alcohol, 700 ; Water, 250 ; di- 
luted Alcohol to 1000. By mixing and percolation. 

Compound Tincture of Lavender is contained in Liquor Potassii 
Arsenitis. 

Dose, Yz to 1 fl. dr. ; 2. to 4. c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Oil of Lavender Flowers. 

Oil of lavender flowers has the same action as other aromatic 
volatile oils. It is used externally as a pleasant stimulating com- 
ponent of liniments, and most red lotions (see p. 178) are 
colored with the compound tincture. This given internally 
makes a very agreeable gastric stimulant, and carminative agent. 

[OLEUM BERGAMOTT^). 

OIL OF BERGAMOT.-5yw«j/w.- Oleum Bergamii. A volatile 
oil obtained by expression from the rind of the fresh fruit of Citrus Berg-a7/iia, 
Risso et Poiteau (nat. ord. Rutaceiz). Habitat. — Sicily; naturalized in sub- 
tropical countries. 

Characters. — A greenish or greenish-yellow, thin liquid, having a 
peculiar, very fragrant odor, and an aromatic, bitter taste. Sp. gr., 0.880 to 
0.885. Solubility. — In Alcohol and in Glacial Acetic Acid. 

Composition. — By fractional distillation is obtained — (1) Limonine. (2) 
Dipentene, C 10 H 16 . (3) Linalool, C 10 H 18 O, 25 percent. (4) Linalool acetate, 
C ]2 H 20 O 2 , about 20 per cent., and to which the odor is probably due. 

Action and Uses of Oil of Bergamot. 
Although possessed of the stimulant properties of volatile oils 
in general, it is used chiefly, if not exclusively, as a perfume. 

MENTHA PIPERITA. 

PEPPERMINT.— The leaves and tops of Mentha piperita Smith (nat. 
ord. Labiatce. Habitat. — Wild in Asia, Europe, and North America ; 
cultivated. 

Characters. — Leaves about 5 cm. long, petiolate, ovate-lanceolate, acute, 
sharply serrate, glandular, nearly smooth, the few hairs containing crystals of 
Menthol in one or more thin cells ; branches quadrangular, often purplish ; 
flowers in terminal, conical spikes, with a tubular, five-toothed, often purplish, 
calyx, a purplish, four-lobed corolla, and four short stamens ; odor aromatic ; 
taste pungent and cooling. 



VOLATILE OILS. 547 

Composition. — Its chief constituents are — (i) A volatile oil, {see below) ; 
(2) A liquid, and (3) a crystalline Menthol. 

Preparation. 

1. Spiritus Menthae Piperitae. — Spirit of Peppermint. Synonym. 
— Essence of Peppermint. Oil of Peppermint, 100 ; Peppermint, 10. 
By maceration and percolation with Alcohol to 1000. 

Spirit of Peppermint is contained in Mistura Rhei et Sodae. 

Dose, 5 to 15 m. ; .30 to 1.00 c.c. J 

OLEUM MENTHA PIPERITA.— -Oil of Peppermint. [A vola- 
tile oil distilled from Peppermint. 

Characters. — A colorless, or yellowish, or greenish-yellow liquid, be- 
coming darker and thicker by age and exposure to the air, having the char- 
acteristic, strong odor of Peppermint, and a strongly aromatic, pungent taste, 
followed by a sensation of cold when air is drawn into the mouth. Sp. gr., 
0.900 to 0.920. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Menthene, C 10 H 18 , the 
liquid Terpene obtained by distillation. (2) Menthol, the solid Stearopten 
{q. v. ), 50 to 65 per cent. 

Oil of Peppermint is contained in Pilulce Rhei Composite. 

Dose, 1 to 5 m. ; .06 to .30 c.c] 

Preparations. 

1. Aqua Menthae Piperitae. — [Peppermint water. Oil of Pep- 
permint, 2. By trituration with precipitated Calcium Phosphate, and 
filtration with distilled water to 1000. 

Dose, ]/ z to 2 fl. oz. ; 15. to 60. c.c. 

2. Spiritus Menthae Piperitae. — See above. 

3. Trochisci Menthae Piperitae. — Troches of Peppermint. Oil 
of Peppermint, I ; Sugar, 80 gm. ; Mucilage of Tragacanth to make 
100 troches. 

Dose, Freely.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Peppermint. 

External. — The action of oil of peppermint is the same as 
that of volatile oils generally, but the cool, numb feeling often 
produced by volatile oils after the sensation has passed off is 
especially well marked with oil of peppermint ; and this effect, 
which is due to the menthol in it, has caused it to be applied 
externally in neuralgia. Like many other volatile oils it is a 



548 ORGANIC MATERIA MED1CA. 

powerful antiseptic. [It is in common use as the " peppermint 
test " for defective plumbing.] 

Internal. — It is often used as a powerful stomachic and car- 
minative, and also as a flavoring agent. 

[MENTHA VIRIDIS. 

SPEARMINT. — The leaves and tops of Mentha viridis Linne (nat. 
ord- Labiates). Habitat. — Wild in Europe and North America ; cultivated. 

Characters. — Leaves about 5 cm. long, subsessile, lance-ovate, acute 
serrate, glandular, nearly smooth ; branches quadrangular, mostly light green ; 
flowers in terminal, interrupted, narrow, acute spikes, with a tubular, sharply 
five-toothed calyx, a light-purplish, four-lobed corolla, and four rather long 
stamens ; odor aromatic, taste pungent. 

Composition. — (i) A volatile oil {see below). (2) Resin. (3) Gum. 

Preparation. 

Spiritus Menthse Viridis. — Spirit of Spearmint. Synonym. — 
Essence of Spearmint. Oil of Spearmint, 100 ; Spearmint, io. By 
maceration with Alcohol and filtration to 1 000. 

Dose, 5 to 15 m. ; .30 to 1.00 c.c] 

OLEUM MENTHA VIRIDIS.— [Oil of Spearmint. A volatile oil 
distilled from Spearmint. 

Characters. — A colorless, yellowish, or greenish-yellow liquid, becom- 
ing darker and thicker by age and exposure to the air, having the character- 
istic, strong odor of Spearmint, and a hot, aromatic taste. Sp. gr., 0.930 to 
0.940. Solubility. — Freely in Alcohol.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Menthene, the same ter- 
pene as in Peppermint. (2) \_Carvol,~] C 10 H u O, a Stearopten isomeric with 
Thymol (a. v.). 

Dose, 1 to 5 m. ; [.06 to .30 c.c] 

Preparations. 

1. Aqua Menthae Viridis. — [Spearmint water. Oil of Spear- 
mint, 2. By trituration with precipitated Calcium Phosphate, addition 
of Distilled Water and filtration to 1000. 

Dose, y 2 to 2 fl. oz. ; 15. to 60. c.c] 

2. Spiritus Menthse Viridis. — (See above). 

Action and Therapeutics of Spearmint. 

These are the same as those of [peppermint and] oil of pep- 
permint, [but oil of spearmint is not so agreeable.] 



VOLATILE OILS. 549 

ANISUM. 

ANISE. — [The fruit of Pimpinella Anisum Linne (nat. ord. Umbelli- 
ferce). Habitat. — Western Asia, Egypt, Southeastern Europe ; cultivated. 

Characters, — About 4 or 5 mm. long, ovate, compressed at the sides, 
grayish, finely hairy, and consisting of two mericarps, each with a flat face, 
and five light, brownish, filiform ridges, and about 15 thin oil tubes, which 
can be seen in a transverse section by the microscope. It has an agreeable 
aromatic odor, and a sweet, spicy taste. Resembling Anise, — Conium, which 
has single mericarps, smooth, grooved upon the face, and having crenate ridges 
with wrinkles between them, and no oil-tubes. 

Composition. — The chief constituent is the official volatile oil {see below). 

Anise is contained in Tinctura Rhei Dulcis. 

Dose, 10 to 30 gr. ; .60 to 2.00 gm. 

ILLICIUM. — Synonym. — Star Anise. The fruit of Illicium verum 
Hooker filius (nat. ord. Magnoliacece). Habitat. — Northern Anam. 

Characters. — The fruit is pedunculate and consists of eight stellately 
arranged carpels, which are boat-shaped, about 10 mm. long, rather woody, 
wrinkled, straight-beaked, brown, dehiscent on the upper suture, internally 
reddish -brown, glossy, and containing a single, flattish, oval, glossy, brownish- 
yellow seed •; odor anise-like ; taste of the carpels sweet and aromatic, and of 
the seeds oily. Resembling Star Anise. — Illicium anisatum Linne {Illicium 
religiosum Siebold), the carpels of which are more woody, shrivelled, and have 
a thin, mostly curved beak, a faint, clove-like odor, and an unpleasant taste. 

Composition. — The chief constituent is the volatile oil. 

Oleum Anisi may be distilled from this as well as from Pimpinella Anisum. 

Dose, 5 to 30 gr. ; .30 to 2.00 gm.] 

OLEUM ANISI. — [Oil of Anise. A volatile oil distilled from Anise. 

Characters. — A colorless or pale yellow, thin, and strongly refractive 
liquid, having the characteristic odor of Anise, and a sweetish, mildly aro- 
matic taste. That from the Pimpinella Anisum solidifies at 59 F. [15 C. ] ; 
that from Illicium verum (Star-anise) at about 50 F. [io° C.]. Sp. gr., about 
0.980 to 0.990. Solubility. — In an equal volume of Alcohol.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) A Terpene, [C 10 H 16 , in 
small quantity. (2) A Stearopten, anet/iol, C 10 H 12 O, 80 per cent. 

Oil of Anise is contained in Tinctura Opii Camphorata, Spiritus Aurantii 
Compositus, Syrupus Sarsaparillae Compositus, and Trochisci Glycyrrhizae et 
Opii. 

Dose, 1 to 5 m. ; .06 to .30 c.c] 

Preparations. 

1. [Aqua Anisi. — Anise water. Oil of Anise, 2. By trituration 
with precipitated Calcium Phosphate, addition of Water and filtration 
to 1000. 

Dose, }( to 1 fl. oz. ; 8. to 30. c.c. 



550 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

2. Spiritus Anisi. — Spirit of Anise. Oil of Anise, ioo ; Alcohol, 
900. 

Dose, 1 to 2 fl. dr. ; 4. to 8. c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Anise. 

The action of oil of anise is the same as that of aromatic oils 
generally. It is specially used to get rid of flatulence in children, 
and, on account of its slightly expectorant action, as a basis of 
cough mixtures. 

CORIANDRUM. 

CORIANDER. — [The fruit of Coriandrum sativum Linne (nat. ord. 
Umbelliferce). Habitat. — Central Asia and Southern Europe ; cultivated. 

Characters. — Globular; about 4 mm. in diameter; crowned with the 
calyx-teeth and stylopod ; brownish-yellow, with slight, longitudinal ridges ; 
the two mericarps cohering, enclosing a lenticular cavity, and each furnished 
on the face with two oil-tubes ; odor and taste agreeably aromatic] 

Composition. — The chief constituent is the official volatile oil {see below). 

Dose, 10 to 30 gr. ; [.60 to 2.00 gm.] 

OLEUM CORIANDRI.— [Oil of Coriander. A volatile oil distilled 
from Coriander. 

Characters. — A colorless or slightly yellowish liquid, having the char- 
acteristic, aromatic odor of Coriander, and a warm, spicy taste. Sp. gr., 0.870 
to 0.885. 

Composition. — (1) Pinene, the chief terpene of Oil of Turpentine, 5 per 
cent. (2) Coriandrol, C 10 H 18 O, which is isomeric with Borneo Camphor 
(a. v.).] 

Oil of Coriander is coiitained in Syrupus Sennae, [Confectio Sennse, and 
Spiritus Aurantii Compositus. 

Dose, 2 to 5 m. ; .12 to .30 c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Coriander. 

Oil of coriander has the same action as other volatile oils. 
It is chiefly used as a stomachic and carminative, and to disguise 
the taste of rhubarb and senna. 

FG2NICULUM. 

FENNEL. — [The fruit of Famiculum capillaceum Gilibert (nat. ord. 
Umbelliferce). Habitat. — Levant and Southern Europe ; cultivated. 

Characters. — Oblong, nearly cylindrical, slightly curved, from 4 to 8 
mm. long, brownish or greenish-brown ; readily separable into the two promi- 
nent mericarps, each with five light-brown, obtuse ribs, four oil-tubes on the 



VOLATILE OILS. 551 

back, and two or four oil-tubes upon the flat face ; odor and taste aromatic, 
anise-like.] Resembling Fennel. — Conium fruit (Fennel is larger and has 
prominent vittas, [oil-tubes]), Caraway and Anise fruits. 

Composition. — The chief constituent is the official volatile oil, probably 
[chemically] identical with Oil of Anise (see p. 549). 

\_Fenjiel is contained i-n Infusum Sennse Compositum. 

Dose, 15 to 30 gr. ; 1. to 2. gm. 

OLEUM FCENICULL— Oil of Fennel. A volatile oil distilled from 
Fennel. 

Characters. — A colorless or pale yellowish liquid, having the charac- 
teristic, aromatic odor of Fennel, and a sweetish, mild and spicy taste. Sp. 
gr., not less than 0.960. Solubility. — In an equal volume of Alcohol. 

Oil of Fennel is contained in Spiritus Juniperi Compositus and Pulvis 
Glycyrrhizce Compositus. 

Dose, 1 to 5 m. ; .06 to .30 c.c. 

Preparations . 

Aqua Fceniculi. — Fennel water. Oil of Fennel, 2. By tritura- 
tion with precipitated Calcium Phosphate, addition of Distilled Water ; 
and filtration to 1000. 

Dose, ^ to 1 fl. oz. ; 8. to 30. c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Fennel. 
These are same as of oil of anise or of coriander. 

CARUM. 

CARAWAY. — [The fruit of Caruvi Carvi Linne (nat. ord. Umbelli- 
ferce). Habitat. — Central and Western Asia ; cultivated. 

Characters. — Oblong, laterally compressed, about 4 or 5 mm. long, 
usually separated into the two mericarps, which are curved, narrower at both 
ends, brown, with five yellowish, filiform ribs, and with six oil-tubes. Cara- 
way has an agreeable odor, and a sweetish, spicy taste.] Resembling Cara- 
way. — Conium and Fennel. Caraway is known by its small ridges and spicy 
taste. 

Composition. — The chief constituent is the official volatile oil (see below), 
[5 to 7 per cent. 

Caraway is contained in Tinctura Cardamomi Composita.] 

Dose, 15 to 30 gr. ; [1. to 2. gm.] 

OLEUM CARL— [Oil of Caraway. A volatile oil distilled from Car- 
away. 

Characters. — A colorless, or pale yellow, thin liquid, having the char- 
acteristic, aromatic odor of Caraway, and a mild, spicy taste. Sp. gr., 0.910 
to 0.920. Solubility. — In an equal volume of Alcohol.] 



55 2 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (i) Cymene, C 10 H U ; also 
found in Oil of Eucalyptus (see p. 528). (2) \_Carvol,~\ C 10 H u O, isomeric 
with Thymol (q. v.), also found in Oil of Spearmint. (3) Limonene, a ter- 
pene, C 10 H 16 ; also found in Oil of Lemon (q. v.). 

[Oil of Caraway is contained in Spiritus Juniperi Compositus. ] 

Dose, 1 to 5 m. ; [.06 to .30 c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Caraway. 

The action and uses of oil of caraway are the same as those of 
other aromatic volatile oils. It is employed as a carminative, 
stomachic and flavoring agent. 

ANETHUM. 

DILL. — [B. P., not official.] — The dried fruit of Pencedanum grav- 
eolens (nat. ord. Umbelliferte). Habitat. — Middle and Southern Europe ; 
[cultivated.] 

Characters. — Broadly oval, [12 mm.] long, brown, flat, with a pale, 
broad membranous border. Mericarps distinct, odor and taste agreeable and 
aromatic. Resembling Dill. — Conium, Anise, Fennel, Caraway ; but Dill is 
winged. 

Composition. — The chief constituent is the volatile oil (see below.) 

OLEUM ANETHL— [Oil of Dill. B. P., (not official)]. The oil 
distilled from Dill fruit. 

Characters. — Pale yellow, odor pungent, taste hot and sweetish. Sp. 
gr., 0.905 to 0.920. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are almost identical with those of 
Oil of Caraway (see p. 551). 

Dose, 1 to 4 m.; [.06 to .25 c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Dill. 

The same as those of anise and caraway. Dill water [B. P.; 
dill fruit, 1; water, 10; dose, 1 to 2 fl. oz., 30. to 60. c.c] is 
a common carminative for children, and it covers very well 
the taste of sodium salts. 

SAMBUCUS. 

SAMBUCUS. — Synonym. — Elder. [The flowers of Sambucus cana- 
densis Linne (nat. ord. Caprifoliacecc). Habitat. — North America, west to 
the Rocky Mountains, in damp places. 

CHARACTERS. — The flowers, when fresh, about 5 mm. broad, and after 
drying shrivelled • calyx superior, minutely five-toothed ; corolla originally 



VOLATILE OILS. 553 

cream-colored, after drying pale brownish-yellow, wheel-shaped and five- 
lobed, with five stamens on the short tube ; odor peculiar ; taste sweetish, 
somewhat aromatic and bitterish. ] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (i) A resin. (2) Valerianic 
Acid. (3) A volatile oil. 

Dose, ^ to 1 dr. ; [2. to 4. gm.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Sambucus. 

Elder flowers are used to flavor medicines, [and are gently 
stimulant and diaphoretic. 

HEDEOMA. 

HEDEOMA. — Synonym. — Pennyroyal. The leaves and tops of He- 
deoma pulegioides (Linne) Persoon (nat. ord. Labiate?). Habitat. — North 
America, south to Georgia, and west to Dakota ; in sandy fields. 

Characters. — Leaves opposite, short -petioled, about 12 mm. long, ob- 
long-ovate, obscurely serrate, glandular beneath ; branches roundish-quad- 
rangular, hairy ; flowers in small axillary cymules, with a tubular ovoid, 
bilabiate and five-toothed calyx, and a pale blue, spotted, bilabiate corolla, 
containing two sterile and two fertile, exserted stamens ; odor strong, mint- 
like ; taste warm and pungent. 

Composition. — The chief constituent is the official volatile oil. 

OLEUM HEDEOMA.— Oil of Hedeoma. Synonym.— Oil of Penny- 
royal. A volatile oil distilled from Hedeoma. 

Characters. — A pale yellowish, limpid liquid, having a characteristic, 
pungent, mint-like odor and taste. Sp. gr. , 0.930 to 0.940. Solubility. — 
Freely in Alcohol. 

Dose, 1 to 5 m. ; .06 to .30 c.c. 

Action and Uses of Pennyroyal. 

Pennyroyal is a gentle aromatic stimulant, and may be given 
in flatulent colic and sick stomach. The oil is in common use 
locally applied as a remedy for mosquito bites. 

ABSINTHIUM. 

ABSINTHIUM. — Synonym. — Wormwood. The leaves and tops of 
Artemisia Absinthiuvi Linne (nat. ord. Composites). Habitat. — Northern 
Asia, Europe and Northern Africa ; naturalized in North America ; cultivated. 

Characters. — Leaves about 5 cm. long, hoary, silky -pubescent, petio- 
iate, roundish-triangular in outline ; pinnately two- or three- cleft, with the 
segments lanceolate, the terminal one spatulate ; bracts three-cleft or entire ; 



554 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

heads numerous, about 3 mm. long, subglobose, with numerous small, pale 
yellow florets, all tubular and without pappus ; odor aromatic ; taste persist- 
ently bitter. 

Composition. — The principal constituents are— (1) A volatile oil, about 
I per cent., mainly Absinthol, C 10 H 16 O. (2) A bitter glucoside, Absinthin, 
C 15 H 20 O. (3) Absinthic Acid. The volatile oil mixed with alcohol and oil 
of anise is known as absinthe, a beverage much esteemed in France. 

Dose, 8 to 40 gr. ; .50 to 2.40 gm. 

Action and Uses of Wormwood. 

Wormwood is used in an infusion as an aromatic tonic in 
atony of stomach or intestines.] 

ANTHEMIS. 

ANTHEMIS. — Synonym. — Chamomile. [The flower-heads of Anthe- 
mis nobilis Linne (nat. ord. Conipositiv), collected from cultivated plants. 
Habitat. — Southern and Western Europe ; cultivated ; naturalized in a few 
localities in the United States. 

Characters. — Heads subglobular, about 2 cm. broad, consisting of an 
imbricated involucre, and numerous white, strap-shaped, three-toothed florets, 
and few, or no, yellow tubular disk florets, inserted upon a chaffy, conical, 
solid receptacle. It has a strong, agreeable odor, and an aromatic, bitter 
taste. 

Composition. — The chief constituent is the volatile oil. 

Dose, y z to 2 dr. ; 2. to 8. gm.] 

OLEUM ANTHEMIDIS.— [B. P., not official].— Oil of Chamo- 
mile. — The volatile oil distilled from Chamomile flowers. 

Characters. — Pale blue or greenish-blue, becoming yellowish-brown. 
Odor and taste like Chamomile. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) A terpene, C 10 H 16 . (2) 
\_AntJiemol, C 10 PI 16 O.] (3) [Antkemene, C 18 H 36 , in tasteless needles.] (4) 
A bitter principle. 

Dose, 1 to 4 m. ; [.06 to .25 c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Chamomile. 

External. — A poultice made with chamomile flowers is a 
popular domestic remedy. Its virtues are due to its warmth. 

Internal. — Like other volatile oils, oil of chamomile is a 
stomachic and carminative. The infusion [1 to 20], in large 
doses [5 to 10 fl. oz.; 150. to 300. c.c] is a simple emetic. 



VOLATILE OILS. 555 

[MATRICARIA. 

MATRICARIA. — Synonym. — German Chamomile. The flower-heads 
of Matricaria CAamomilla, Linne (nat. ord, Compositce). Habitat. — Europe 
and Western Asia. 

Characters. —About 15 to 20 mm. broad, composed of a flattish, imbri- 
cate involucre, a conical, hollow, naked receptacle, which is about 5 mm. 
high, about fifteen white, ligulate, reflexed ray florets, and numerous yellow, 
tubular, perfect disk-florets without pappus ; strongly aromatic and bitter. 
Resembling Matricaria. — Anthemis Arvensis and Anthemis Cotula, but these 
have conical, solid, and chaffy receptacles. 

Composition. — (1) Volatile Oil X P er cent - ( 2 ) Anthemic Acid. (3) 
Anthemidin, probably a glucoside. (4) Tannic acid. 

Dose, ^ to 1 dr. ; 1. to 4. gm. 

Action and Uses of Matricaria. 
The actions and uses are identical with those of chamomile.] 

ROSA GALLICA. — Red Rose. [The petals of Rosa gallica Linne 
(nat. ord. Rosacea), collected before expanding. Habitat. — Asia Minor and 
Southern Europe ; cultivated. 

Characters. — Usually in small cones, consisting of numerous imbricated, 
roundish, refuse, deep purple-colored, yellow-clawed petals, having a roseate 
odor and a bitterish, slightly acidulous and distinctly astringent taste. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) A volatile oil, in minute 
quantities. (2) Tannic Acid. (3) Mucilage. (4) Sugar. 

Red Rose is contained in Pilulas Aloes et Mastiches. ] 

Preparations. 

1. Confectio Rosae. — [Confection of Rose. Red Rose, 80; 
Sugar, 640 ; Clarified Honey, 12 ; Stronger Rose Water, 160. 

Dose, % to 1 dr. ; 2. to 4. gm. 

2. Extractum Rosae Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Rose. By 
maceration with Glycerin and Diluted Alcohol, and evaporation. 

Fluid Extract of Rose is used to make Mel Rosae and Syrupus 
Rosae. 

Dose, ^ to 1 fl. dr. ; 1. to 4. c.c. 

3. Mel Rosse. — Honey of Rose. — Fluid Extract of Rose, 120; 
Clarified Honey, to iooo. 

Dose, freely. 

4. Syrupus Rosae. — Syrup of Rose. Fluid Extract of Rose, 
125 ; Syrup, 875. 

Dose, 1 to 2 fl. dr. ; 4. to 8. c.c. 
ROSA CENTIFOLIA.— Pale Rose. The petals of Rosa centifolia 
Linne (nat. ord. Rosacea). Habitat. — Western Asia; cultivated. 



556 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Characters. — Roundish-obovate and retuse, or obcordate, pink, fragrant, 
sweetish, slightly bitter and faintly astringent. 

Composition. — (i) Volatile oil, in minute quantities. (2) Mucilage. (3) 
Tannic Acid. (4) Malates and Tartrates. 

OLEUM ROSM.— Oil of Rose. Synonym.— Attar of Rose. A vola- 
tile oil distilled from the fresh flowers of .Rosa damascena Miller (nat. ord. 
Rosacea). Habitat. — Cultivated in Bulgaria. 

Characters. — A pale yellowish, transparent liquid, having the strong 
fragrant odor of Rose, and a mild, slightly sweetish taste. Sp. gr., 0.865 to 
0.880. Solubility. — It is but slightly soluble in Alcohol.] 

Composition. — Its principal constituent is Rhodinol, or Geraniol, C 10 H 18 O, 
a volatile oil, 12 to 14 per cent., very fragrant. It is an alcohol and is related 
to Linalool which occurs in Oil of Lavender flowers. 

[Impurities. — Oil of Ginger-grass or Turkish Oil of Geranium, Oil of 
Rose Geranium, Spermaceti and Paraffin. ] 

Preparations. 

[1. Aqua Rosae Fortior. — Stronger Rose Water. Synonym. — 
Triple Rose Water. Water saturated with the volatile oil of Rose 
petals, obtained as a by-product in the distillation of Oil of Rose. 

Stronger Rose Water is used to make Confectio Rosae. 

Dose, indefinite. 

2. Aqua Rosae. — Rose Water. Stronger Rose Water, and Dis- 
tilled Water, of each, one volume. 

Dose, indefinite. 

3. Unguentum Aquas Rosas.- — Ointment of Rose Water. Syno- 
nym. — Cold Cream. Spermaceti, 125; White Wax, 120; Expressed 
Oil of Almond, 600; Stronger Rose Water, 190; Sodium Borate, 5.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Rose. 
The preparations of rose are pleasant vehicles, the confection 
for pills and the water for lotions. The infusion ( [B. P., not 
official] dried petals, 2 ; diluted sulphuric acid, 1; water, 80) 
is mildly astringent. [The ointment of rose water is a favorite 
soothing application for the skin.] 

Class III.— THOSE USED CHIEFLY FOR THEIR ACTION ON 
THE HEART AND CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM. 

VALERIANA. 

VALERIAN. — The rhizome and roots of Valeriana officinalis [Linne 
(nat. ord. Valeriane ( e). Habitat. — Europe and Northern Asia; naturalized 
in England ; cultivated. 



VOLATILE OILS. 557 

Characters. — Rhizome from 2 to 4 cm. long, and 1 to 2 cm. thick, up- 
right, subglobular or obconical, truncate at both ends, brown or yellowish- 
brown, internally whitish or pale brownish, with a narrow circle of white 
wood under the thin bark. Roots numerous, slender, brittle, brown with a 
thick bark, and slender, ligneous cord. Odor peculiar, becoming stronger 
and unpleasant on keeping ; taste camphoraceous and somewhat bitter. ] Re- 
sembling Valerian. — Serpentaria, Arnica, Green Hellebore; but Valerian is 
known by its odor. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) A volatile oil, % to 2 per 
cent., consisting of Borneol, C 10 H 18 O, and Pinene, a terpene {see p. 516). 
(2) Valerianic Acid, C 5 H 10 O 2 . It is colorless, oily, with the odor of Valerian, 
and strongly acid, with a burning taste. Solubility. — In 30 parts of water; 
readily in Alcohol and Ether. The amount of it in Valerian increases by 
keeping, while that of the oil decreases. It can be derived from Amylic 
Alcohol, C 5 H 12 (Valeryl Aldehyde). [(3) Formic, Acetic and Malic Acids. 
(4) Tannic acid. (5) Resin. 

Dose, 10 to 30 gr. ; .60 to 2.00 gm.] 

Preparations. 

1. [Extractum Valerianae Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Valerian. 
By maceration and percolation with Alcohol and Water, and evapora- 
tion. 

Dose, 10 to 30 m. ; .60 to 2.00 c.c. 

2. Tinctura Valerianae. — Tincture of Valerian. Valerian, 200 j 
by maceration and percolation with Alcohol and Water to 1 000. 

Dose, y 2 to 2 fl. dr. ; 2. to 8. c.c. 

3. Tinctura Valerianae Ammoniata. — Ammoniated Tincture 
of Valerian. Valerian, 200; by maceration and percolation with Aro- 
matic Spirit of Ammonia to 1 000. 

Dose, y 2 to 2 fl. dr. ; 2. to 8. c.c. 

AMMONII VALERIANAS.— Ammonium Valerianate. NH 4 C 5 H 9 2 
=118.78. 

Source. — By saturating Valerianic Acid with Gaseous Ammonia, obtained 
from a mixture of Ammonium Chloride and Lime, and crystallization. 

Characters. — Colorless, or white, quadrangular plates, emitting the odor 
of Valerianic Acid, of a sharp and sweetish taste, and deliquescent in moist 
air. Solubility. — Very soluble in Water and in Alcohol ; also soluble in 
Ether. 

Dose, 2 to 8 gr. ; .12 to .50 gm. 

FERRI VALERIANAS.— Ferric Valerianate. 

Source. — By precipitating a diluted solution of Ferric Sulphate, with a 
solution of Sodium A T alerianate and washing the precipitate. 



558 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Characters. — A dark, brick-red, amorphous powder of somewhat vary- 
ing chemical composition, having the odor of Valerianic Acid, and a mildly 
styptic taste ; permanent in dry air. Solubility. — Insoluble in cold water, but 
readily soluble in Alcohol. 

Dose, i to 3 gr. ; .06 to .20 gm. 

SODII VALERIAN AS.— (Not official. )— Sodium Valerianate. NaC 5 
H 9 2 =i2 3 .77. 

Source. — Make Valerianic Acid by distilling a mixture of Amylic Alcohol, 
Sulphuric Acid, and Potassium Bichromate. Saturate the distillate which 
contains Valerianic Acid, with Caustic Soda, and evaporate. 

Characters. — White masses of a powerful Valerian-like odor. Solubility. 
— Easily in both Alcohol and Ether. 

Dose, 1 to 5 gr. ; .06 to .30 gm. 

QUININE VALERIANAS.— Quinine Valerianate. C 20 H 21 N 2 O 2 
C 5 H 10 O 2 -f-H 2 O=443.o7. 

Source. — By decomposing Quinine Sulphate by Ammonia, combining 
directly with Valerianic Acid, and crystallizing from a cold solution. 

Characters. — White, or nearly white, pearly, lustrous, triclinic crystals, 
having a slight odor of Valerianic Acid, and a bitter taste. Permanent in the 
air. Solubility. — In 100 parts of Water, and in 5 parts of Alcohol. 

Dose, 1 to 30 gr. ; .06 to 2.00 gm.] 

ZINCI VALERIANAS.— Zinc Valerianate. Zn(C-H 9 2 ) 2 [+2H 2 
=302.56. 

Source. — From hot solutions of Zinc Sulphate and Sodium Valerianate ; 
evaporate and Zinc Valerianate crystallizes out. 

Characters. — White, pearly scales, having the odor of Valerianic Acid, 
and a sweetish, astringent and metallic taste. On exposure to the air it slowly 
loses Valerianic Acid. Solubility. — In about 100 parts of water, and in 40 
parts of Alcohol.] 

Incompatibles. — All acids, soluble carbonates, most metallic salts and 
vegetable astringents. 

Dose, y z to 3 gr. ; [.03 to .20 gm.] 

Action of Valerian and the Valerianates. 

Neither valerianic acid, [ammonium, ferric, sodium, quinine] 
nor zinc valerianates are known to have any action [although 
their extensive use warrants the belief that they are valuable 
remedies.] 

Valerian itself acts in virtue of its volatile oil, which has the 
same properties as other volatile oils. Valerian is therefore an 
irritant when applied externally ; internally it stimulates the 



VOLATILE OILS. 559 

mouth, stomach, and intestines ; consequently it increases the 
appetite and the vascularity, the secretion, and the peristaltic 
action of the stomach, and intestines ; and in its excretion, 
which takes place chiefly through the bronchial mucous mem- 
brane, kidneys and genito -urinary mucous membrane, it excites 
the flow of fluids excreted through these parts. Acting reflexly 
from the stomach, it stimulates the circulation rather more 
powerfully than most volatile oils. 

Therapeutics of Valerian and the Valerianates. 
Preparations of valerian, or still better the oil [not official, 2 
to 5 m., .12 to .30 c.c] suspended in mucilage with cinnamon 
water, are often given as carminatives in cases of flatulence, and 
as reflex stimulants in fainting, palpitation, etc. Valerian and 
[the] valerianates sometimes relieve neuralgia, and they are 
often prescribed for hysteria and other neurotic conditions, but 
frequently without benefit. 

[CYPRIPEDIUM. 

CYPRIPRDIUM.— Synonym.— Ladies' Slipper. The rhizome and 
roots of Cypripeditivi pubescens Swartz, and of Cypripedium parviflortim 
Salisbury (nat. ord. Orchidecv). Habitat. — North America ; in swampy places. 

Characters. — Of horizontal growth, bent, 10 cm. , or less, long ; from 
3 to 5 mm. thick ; on the upper side beset with numerous circular, cup-shaped 
scars ; closely covered below with simple, wiry roots, varying from 10 to 15 
cm. in length ; brittle, dark brown, or orange-brown ; fracture short, white ; 
odor peculiar, heavy ; taste sweetish, bitter and somewhat pungent. 

Composition. — It contains — (1) A volatile oil. (2) A volatile acid. (3) 
Two resins. (4) Tannic acid. 

Dose, 15 to 30 gr. ; 1. to 2. gm. 

Preparation. 

Extractum Cypripedii Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Cypripe- 
dium. By maceration and percolation with Diluted Alcohol, and 
evaporation. 

Dose, 15 to 30 m ; 1. to 2. c.c. 

Action and Uses of Cypripedium. 
Cypripedium is a gentle, nervous stimulant, resembling vale- 
rian in its action.. It has been used for nervous diseases, epilepsy, 
hypochondriasis and neuralgia.] 



560 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

ASAFCETIDA. 

ASAFETIDA. — A gum-resin obtained [from the root of Ferula fozlidc 
(Bunge) Regel (nat. ord. Umbellifera;). Habitat. — Persia, Turkestan and 
Afghanistan. 

Characters. — In irregular masses composed of whitish tears, which are 
imbedded in a yellowish-gray or brownish-gray, sticky mass. The tears, when 
hard, break with a conchoidal fracture, showing a milk-white color, which 
changes, gradually, on exposure, to pink, and finally to brown. It has a per- 
sistent, alliaceous odor, and a bitter alliaceous acrid taste. Solubility. — Partly 
in Ether and Alcohol.] Resembling Asafetida. — Galbanum, Ammoniacum, 
and Benzoin, distinguished by their peculiar odors, which differ markedly from 
that of Asafetida. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) A volatile oil, 5 per cent., 
the most important ingredient of which is [Allyl sulphide {see p. 455).] Tins 
gives Asafetida its very unpleasant odor. (2) Gum, 25 per cent. (3) Bas- 
sorin resin, 65 per cent., [which contains Ferulaic Acid, C 10 H 10 O 4 .] 

Impurities. — Earthy matter [or Calcium Sulphate and Carbonate, and 
sand. ] 

Preparations. 

1. [Emulsum Asafoetidae. — Emulsion of Asafetida. Synonyms. 
— Mistura Asafoetidae. Milk of Asafetida. Asafetida, 40 ; by rubbing 
in a warmed mortar with Water, and straining to iooo. 

Dose, y 2 to 1 fi. oz. ; 15. to 30. c.c. 

2. Pilulae Aloes et Asafoetidae. — See Aloes, p. 497. 

3. Pilulae Asafoetidae. — Pills of Asafetida. Asafetida, 20 ; 
Soap, 60 gm. ; to make 100 pills. Each pill contains 3 gr. ; .20 gm. 
of Asafetida. 

Dose, 1 to 4 pills. 

4. Tinctura Asafoetidae. — Tincture of Asafetida. Asafetida, 
200. By maceration with Alcohol, and filtration to 1000. 

Dose, y 2 to 1 fl. dr. ; 2. to 4. c.c] 

Action of Asafetida. 

Both internally and externally, asafetida, in virtue of its vola- 
tile oil, acts like volatile oils generally. Its action as a stimulant 
to the intestinal muscle is especially well marked, hence it is 
combined with aloes in Pilulae Aloes et Asafoetidae ; and the 
enema, [1 to 64 of water,] will relieve flatus. Owing to its 
containing [allyl sulphide] it is extremely [unpleasant], and there- 
fore it is not, like many volatile oils, available as a condiment. 
Its taste is credited with some mental effect in cases of hysteria. 



VOLATILE OILS. 56 1 

Therapeutics of Asafetida. 

Asafetida is not used externally. Internally it is prescribed 
to aid the action of other purgatives, and also to stimulate the 
muscular coat to expel flatus. It may be given by the mouth or 
as an enema. Partly on account of its reflex stimulating effect, 
but also on account of its very [unpleasant] taste, it is used to 
control hysteria, emotional, and other mental disturbances, but 
it often fails. For this purpose it may be combined with vale- 
rian. Cases of malingering may sometimes be cured by making 
the patient take, three times a day, an effervescing draught con- 
taining a few [drops] of each of the tinctures of valerian and 
asafetida, with some mucilage to suspend the precipitated resin. 
The effervescence makes the [unpleasant] taste of these medi- 
cines ''repeat" in the mouth for some time after taking them. 
Asafetida oil would in the course of its excretion disinfect the 
urine and the expectoration, but its smell forbids its use for these 

purposes. 

GALBANUM. 

GALBANUM. [B. P., not official.] — A gum-resin obtained from 
Ferula galbanijlua, Ferula rubricaulis (nat. ord. U7nbellifer<z), and probably 
other species. \_Habitat.~\ — Persia and the Levant. 

Characters. — Tears or masses of agglutinated tears. Tears roundish, 
about the size of a pea, yellowish-brown or yellowish-green. Translucent, 
rough, and dirty. Hard and brittle in the cold, softening with heat and be- 
coming sticky. Masses contain pieces of root, stem, etc. They are hard, 
compact yellowish-brown. Odor peculiar, aromatic. Taste bitter, unpleas- 
ant. Resembling Galbanum. — Ammoniacum, Asafcetida, and Benzoin ; known 
by their different odors. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are— (1) Volatile oilj C 10 H 16 , 6 to 
9 per cent., consisting chiefly of a terpene, C 10 H 16 . (2) A sulphurous resin, 60 
to 67 per cent. (3) Gum, 19 to 22 per cent. (4) Umbelliferone, [C 9 H 6 3 in 
acicular crystals]. 

Action and Therapeutics of Galbanum. 

Galbanum acts like other substances containing volatile oils ; 
it is always combined with ammoniacum or asafetida. It has 
been used externally as a plaster [Galbanum, 1 ; ammoniacum, 
1 ; yellow wax, 1 ; lead plaster, 8 ;] for its irritant effect, to aid 
the absorption of old inflammatory products, and internally it is 
given with asafetida as a carminative. 



562 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

AMMONIACUM. 

AMMONIAC. — A gum-resin [obtained from Dorema Ammoniacum 
Don (nat. ord. Umbelliferce). Habitat. — Eastern Persia and Turkestan. 

Characters. — In roundish tears, from 2 to 6 mm. or more in diameter ; 
externally pale yellowish-brown, internally milk-white, brittle when cold, and 
breaking with a flat, conchoidal, and waxy fracture ; or the tears are super- 
ficially united into irregular masses without any intervening, dark-colored 
substance. It has a peculiar odor, and a bitter, acrid and nauseous taste.] 
Resembling Ammoniacum. — Asafoetida, Galbanum, Benzoin, known by their 
odor. 

Composition. — The chief ingredients are — (1) Volatile oil, 10 per cent. 

(2) Resin, 70 per cent. (3) Gum, 20 per cent. 
Dose, 5 to 30 gr. ; [.30 to 2.00 gra.] 

Preparations. 

1. Emplastrum Ammoniaci cum Hydrargyro. — [See Mer- 
cury, p. 210. 

2. Emulsum Ammoniaci. — Emulsion of Ammoniac. Ammo- 
niac, 40 ; water added gradually to iooo. It forms a milk-like emul- 
sion. 

Dose, yi to 1 fl. oz. ; 15. to 30. c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Ammoniacum. 
The action of ammoniacum is precisely the same as that of 
volatile oils generally. It is employed externally to aid, by its 
mildly irritating effects, the absorption of chronic inflammatory 
products, and internally in chronic bronchitis with offensive 
expectoration for the sake of the remote disinfectant expectorant 
effect that it has, in the course of its excretion through the 
bronchial mucous membrane. 

MYRRHA. 

MYRRH. — A gum-resin [obtained from Commiphora Myrrha (Nees) 
Engler (nat. ord. Burseracece) . Habitat. — Eastern Africa and Southwestern 
Arabia. 

Characters. — In roundish or irregular tears or masses, brownish-yellow 
or reddish-brown ; fracture waxy, somewhat splintery, translucent on the edges, 
sometimes marked with whitish veins ; odor balsamic ; taste aromatic, bitter 
and acrid.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Myrrhin [C 48 H 32 G 10 ], a 
resin, 23 per cent. (2) Myrrhol, C 10 H u O, a volatile oil, 2 [to 4] per cent. 

(3) Gum, 60 per cent. (4) A bitter principle. 



VOLATILE OILS. 563 

Impurities. — Many varieties of gum and gum- resins. 

[Myrrh is contained in Mistura Ferri Composita and Pilulie Rhei Com- 
posite. 

Dose, 5 to 30 gr. ; .30 to 2.00 gm.] 

Preparations. 

1. Tinctura Myrrhae. — [Tincture of Myrrh. Myrrh, 200 ; by 
maceration with Alcohol and filtration to 1000. 

Dose, ){ to 1 fl. dr. ; 1. to 4. c.c. 

2. Tinctura Aloes et Myrrhse. — See Aloes, p. 498. 

3. Pilulae Aloes et Myrrhae. — See Aloes, p. 498.] 

Action of Myrrh. 

External. — Both externally and internally, myrrh has the 
same action as other substances containing a volatile oil. It is a 
mild disinfectant, and a stimulant to sores and ulcers. 

Internal. — It has the same effect in the mouth. It is a 
stomachic carminative, exciting the appetite, the flow of 
gastric juice, and the vascularity and peristalsis of the stomach 
and intestines. The number of leucocytes in the blood is said 
to be increased by the administration of myrrh. It is excreted 
by mucous membranes, especially the genito-urinary and the 
bronchial, and it stimulates and disinfects their secretions in its 
passage through them. Thus it becomes an expectorant, a 
uterine stimulant, and an emmenagogue. 

Therapeutics of Myrrh. 

External. — Occasionally myrrh has been employed as a 
stimulant to sores and ulcers. 

Internal. — It is, in the form of the tincture diffused through 
water [1 to 16], used as a mouth-wash and gargle for sore spongy 
gums, relaxed throat, and other similar conditions, for which it 
is often combined with borax, as in the following formula: — 
Myrrh, 1; eau de Cologne, 16; borax, 1; water, 3; syrup, 3. 
It is frequently given with purgatives for the sake of its carmina- 
tive and stomachic properties. It is also commonly combined 
with iron when this drug is given for anaemia, but the reason for 
this is not clear. It is prescribed for amenorrhcea, and has been 



564 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

given for cystitis, and as a disinfectant expectorant for chronic 
bronchitis. 

Class IV.— THOSE USED CHIEFLY FOR THEIR ACTION ON 
THE BRONCHIAL MUCOUS MEMBRANE. 

TEREBENUM. 

[TEREBENE.—C 10 H 16 — 135.7. A liquid consisting chiefly of Pinene, 
and containing not more than very small proportions of Terpinene and Dipen- 
tene. 

Source. — From acting upon Oil of Turpentine with Sulphuric Acid, and 
distilling. 

Characters. — A colorless or slightly yellowish, thin liquid, having a 
rather agreeable thyme-like odor, and an aromatic, somewhat terebinthinate 
taste. Sp. gr., about 0.862. Solubility. — Only slightly soluble in Water, but 
soluble in an equal volume of Alcohol, glacial Acetic Acid, or Carbon Disul- 
phide. 

Dose, 5 to 15 m. ; .30 to 1.00 c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Terebene. 

Terebene is an excellent stimulating disinfectant expectorant 
for chronic bronchitis. It may be used as an inhalation thus : — 
Pure terebene, 2.; magnesium carbonate, 1; distilled water, 24. 
Use this in water [ 1 to 128] at 140 F. [6o° C] in an apparatus 
so arranged that air can be drawn through it and inhaled. Or it 
may be given with other expectorants in a mixture ; many pa- 
tients find five drops several times a day on sugar quite sufficient 
to cure a slight winter cough [although it is said to form an in- 
soluble compound with sugar.] 

[TERPINI HYDRAS. 

TERPIN HYDRATE.— C 10 H 18 (OH) 2 +H 2 O=i8o. 58. The Hydrate 
of the Diatomic Alcohol Terpin. 

Source. — Rectified Oil of Turpentine, Alcohol and Nitric Acid are 
allowed to stand together for three or four days in shallow porcelain dishes. 
The crystals which have formed are collected, drained thoroughly, dried by 
absorbent paper, and re- crystallized in a cold solution of Alcohol. 

Characters. — Colorless, lustrous, rhombic prisms, nearly odorless, and 
having a slightly aromatic and somewhat bitter taste. Permanent in the air. 
Solubility. — Soluble in about 250 parts of water, and in 10 parts of Alcohol ; 
also soluble in about 100 parts of Ether, 200 parts of Chloroform. 

Dose, 2 to 30 gr. • .12 to 2.00 gm. 



VOLATILE OILS. 565 

Action and Uses of Terpin Hydrate. 

Terpin hydrate is an antiseptic, and it is believed that it will 
arrest the development of tubercle bacilli. It increases the secre- 
tion of the mucous membrane, and the functional activity of the 
kidneys. It has been given as an antiseptic in acute and chronic 
bronchitis, when the secretion is unusually free, in whooping- 
cough, and rarely in the treatment of chronic nephritis, chronic 
cystitis and gonorrhoea. 

BALSAMUM PERUVIANUM. 

BALSAM OF PERU.— A balsam [obtained from Toluifera Pereirce 
(Royle) Baillon (nat. ord. Leguminosce). It is obtained from the bark after 
it has been beaten, scorched and removed. Habitat. — Central America. Bal- 
sam of Peru is named from its place of export. 

Characters. — A liquid having a syrupy consistence, free from stringiness 
or stickiness, of a brownish-black color in bulk, reddish-brown and transparent 
in thin layers, of an agreeable vanilla-like, somewhat smoky odor, and a bitter 
taste, leaving a persistent after-taste. On exposure to air it does not become 
hard. Sp. gr., 1. 135 to 1.150. Solubility. — Miscible, in all proportions, 
with absolute Alcohol, Chloroform, or Glacial Acetic Acid ; only partially 
soluble in Ether or Benzin. It is completely soluble in 5 parts of Alcohol.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) A volatile oil. This is 
present in large quantities ; it consists of \_Cinnamein (Benzylic Cinnamate), 
C 9 H 7 (C 7 H 7 )0 2 , about 60 per cent. (2) Cinnamic Acid, C 9 H 8 2 . (3) Resin, 
about 32 per cent., which on dry distillation yields Benzoic Acid, HC 7 H 5 2 . 
Small quantities of (4) Benzylic Benzoate, C 7 H 5 (C 7 H 7 )0 2 , (5) Benzyl Alcohol, 
C 7 H 8 0, (6) Stilbene, C U H 12 , (7) Styrol, C 8 H 8 , and (8) Styracin or Cinnamyl 
Cinnamate, C 9 H-(C 9 H 9 )0 2 . 

Impurities. — Fixed oils, resins, oleoresins and alcohol.] 

Dose, 10 to 30 m. ; [.60 to 2.00 c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Balsam of Peru. 

External. — Like most substances containing a volatile oil, 
balsam of Peru is a disinfectant, and also a stimulant when 
rubbed into the skin or applied to raw surfaces. Formerly it 
was much used for these purposes, chiefly as an application to 
indolent sores and chronic eczema. [As a stimulating dressing 
for sluggish granulations a 5 to 10 per cent, solution in castor 
oil is frequently employed.] A mixture of balsam of Peru, 1; 
lard, 7 ; is very useful for sore nipples and cracked lips. It is 



566 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

not often employed at present except externally as antiparasitic 
for pediculi, scabies and ringworm. [An ointment consisting 
of balsam of Peru, 20; olive oil, 50; petrolatum, 100; maybe 
used.] For scabies it should be applied in the way already de- 
scribed for sulphur ointment \see p. 259]; it is a more agreeable 
preparation. 

Internal. — Like most volatile oils balsam of Peru is carmina- 
tive and stomachic, and after absorption is excreted by, and 
stimulates and disinfects the mucous membranes. For this 
reason it is used as an expectorant in chronic bronchitis. It 
is also excreted by the skin and the kidneys. 

BALSAMUM TOLUTANUM. 

BALSAM OF TOLU.-A balsam [obtained from Toluifera Balsa- 
mum Linne (nat. ord. Leguminosce). Habitat. — Venezuela and New 
Granada. 

Characters. — A yellowish-brown, semi-fluid or nearly solid mass, be- 
coming more brittle when exposed to cold, transparent in thin layers, having 
an agreeable odor recalling that of Vanilla, but distinct from it, and a mild, 
aromatic taste. Solubility. — Readily and completely soluble in Alcohol. 
Also completely soluble in Chloroform, and in solutions of the fixed alkalies ; 
almost completely soluble in Ether, but nearly insoluble in water, Benzin, or 
Carbon Disulphide.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Toluene, C 10 H 16 , [1 per 
cent., a thin, colorless, aromatic oil. (2) Benzylic Benzoate, C 7 H 5 (C 7 H 7 )0 2 , a 
colorless, aromatic oil. (3) Benzylic Cinnamate, C 9 H 7 (C 7 H 7 )0 2 . (4) Ben- 
zoic Acid, HC 7 H 5 2 . (5) Cinnamic Acid, C 9 H 8 G 2 . (6) Resins. 

Impurities. — Turpentine, storax, sweet gum, and resins. 

Balsam of Tolu is contained in Tinctura Benzoini Composita. 

Dose, 10 to 30 m. ; .60 to 2.00 c.c] 

Preparations. 

1. Syrupus Tolutanus. — [Syrup of Tolu. Balsam of Tolu, 10; 
Alcohol, 50 ; Precipitated Calcium Phosphate, 50 ; Sugar, 850 ; Water 
to looo. By solution and filtration. 

Dose, y 2 to 1 fl. oz. ; 15. to 30. c.c. 

2. Tinctura Tolutana. — Tincture of Tolu. Balsam of Tolu, 100, 
By maceration with Alcohol and filtration to looo. 

Dose, 1 to 2 fl. dr. ; 4. to 8. c.c] 



VOLATILE OILS. 567 

Action and Therapeutics of Balsam of Tolu. 

Although it has an action in all respects similar to that of 

balsam of Peru, it is only used as an expectorant in cough 

mixtures. 

STYRAX. 

STORAX. — [A balsam prepared from the inner bark of Liquidambar 
orientalis Miller (nat. ord. Hamamelacece). Habitat. — Asia Minor. 

Characters. — A semi-liquid, gray, sticky, opaque mass, depositing on 
standing a heavier, dark-brown stratum ; transparent in thin layers, and having 
an agreeable odor and a balsamic taste. Solubility. — Insoluble in water, but 
completely soluble in an equal weight of warm Alcohol. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Styrol, C 8 H 8 , or Cinna- 
mene, a volatile oil. (2) Cinnamic Acid, C 9 H 8 2 , colorless, odorless, crystalline; 
this can be oxidized to Benzoic Acid, and is also found in Cinnamon, and Bal- 
sams of Tolu and Peru. (3) Slyracin, or Cinnamyl Cinna?nate, C 9 H 7 (C 9 H 9 )0 2 . 
(4) Phenylpropyl Cinnamate, C 9 H 7 (C 9 H 17 )O r (5) Ethyl Cinnamate, C 9 H 7 
(C 2 H 5 )0 2 . (6) Storesin, C 36 H- 8 3 , in considerable quantity. (7) Vanillin, 
having a fragrant odor.] 

Storax is contained in Tinctura Benzoini Composita. 

Dose, 5 to 20 gr. ; [.30 to 1.20 gm.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Storax. 

Storax has the same action as balsams of Tolu and Peru and 
benzoin, and may be employed for the same purposes. It is not 
often given internally except in the compound tincture of ben- 
zoin. Mixed with an equal part of olive oil it may be used to 
kill the [Sar copies scabiei^\ and pediculi. 

OLEUM PINI. 

OIL OF PINE. [B. P., not official.]— The oil is distilled from the fresh 
leaves of Pinus pumilio (nat. ord. Coniferce). Synonyms. — Pinol. Pumiline. 
{Habitat.— Russia.] 

Characters. — Almost colorless. Odor aromatic. Taste pungent. Sp. 
gr., 0.865 to 0.870. {Solubility. — In 7 pares of Alcohol.] 

Composition. — (1) Various terpenes. (2) Boruyl Acetate. 

{Preparation. 

Vapor Olei Pini (not official). — Vapor of Oil of Pine. Oil of Pine, 
2 ; rub with Magnesium Carbonate, I ; add Water, 24. Put I fl. dr. ; 
4. c.c. of this in half a pint, 240. c.c. of cold and half a pint, 240. c.c. 
of boiling water, in a vessel so arranged that air, drawn through the 
liquid, can be inhaled.] 



568 organic materia medica. 

Action and Therapeutics of Fir-wood Oil. 
The action of oil of pine is the same as that of oil of turpen- 
tine {see p. 515). But it is pleasanter to inhale, and forms a 
useful, stimulating, disinfectant, expectorant inhalation in chronic 
bronchitis or laryngitis. 

GRINDELIA. 
GRINDELIA. — [The leaves and flowering tops of Grindelia robusta 
Nuttall, and of Grindelia squarrosa Dunal (nat. ord. Composites). Habitat. — 

(1) G. robusta, North America, west of the Rocky Mountains, in salt marshes. 

(2) G. squarrosa, Western Plains to the Sierra Nevada and south to Texas. 
Characters. — Leaves about 5 cm. or less long, varying from broadly 

spatulate or oblong to lanceolate, sessile or clasping, obtuse, more or less 
sharply serrate, often spinosely toothed, or even lacinate-pinnatifid, pale green, 
smooth, finely dotted, thickish, brittle ; heads many-flowered, subglobular or 
somewhat conical ; the involucre hemispherical, about 10 mm. broad, com- 
posed of numerous imbricated, squarrosely-tipped or spreading scales ; ray- 
florets yellow, ligulate, pistillate ; disk-florets yellow, tubular, perfect ; pappus 
consisting of two or three awns of the length of the disk-florets ; odor balsamic, 
taste pungently aromatic and bitter. ] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) A ■ volatile oil. (2) A 
resin, resembling Saponin in its action. (3) Probably an alkaloid, \_Grinde~ 
line. ] 

Dose, }( to 1 dr. ; 1. to 4. gm. 

Preparation. 

Extractum Grindeliae [Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Grindelia. 
By maceration and percolation with Alcohol, and evaporation. 
Dose, l /l to 1 fl. dr. ; 1. to 4. c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Grindelia. 

In small doses, grindelia is a mild stomachic and cardiac 
sedative, but its main action depends upon the fact that in its 
excretion by the bronchial mucous membrane it acts as an expec- 
torant, and also relaxes the muscular coat of the bronchial tubes, 
and this explains its efficacy [in the symptom] asthma. Two or 
three doses of twenty minims ; [1.20 c.c], of the fluid extract 
in milk, which prevents precipitation of the resin, given every 
twenty minutes, will often allay the paroxysms of asthma. 
Between the attacks, this dose should be taken three times daily. 
The same quantity may with advantage be added to mixtures 



VOLATILE OILS. 569 

prescribed for chronic bronchitis, for not only is grindelia an 
expectorant, but it relieves the asthmatic paroxysms which so 
frequently accompany bronchitis. It is very bitter ; its taste is 
best concealed by Spiritus Chloroformi. Linen soaked in a 
lotion of the fluid extract in water, 1 to 48, is applied to the skin 
for the dermatitis caused by Rhus toxicodendron, the poison ivy. 
The same lotion is used in burns and as an injection in gleet and 
leucorrhcea. 

Class V.— THOSE USED CHIEFLY FOR THEIR ACTION ON 
THE KIDNEYS AND GENITO-URINARY TRACT. 

OLEUM JUNIPERI. 

OIL OF JUNIPER.— A volatile oil distilled [from the fruit (berry) 
of Juniperus communis Linne (nat. ord. Coniferce). Habitat. — North 
America throughout Canada, the Northern United States, and in the Rocky 
Mountains south to New Mexico. 

Characters. — A colorless or faintly greenish-yellow liquid, becoming 
darker and thicker by age and exposure to air, having the characteristic odor 
of juniper, and a warm, aromatic, somewhat terebinthinate and bitterish taste. 
Sp. gr., 0.S50 to 0.S90. Solubility. — In about 4 times its volume of Alcohol.] 

Composition. — Oil of Juniper is composed chiefly of terpenes, which are 
mostly Pinene and Cadinene. 

Dose, 2 to 10 m. ; [.12 to .60 c.c] 

Preparations. 

1. Spiritus Juniperi. — [Spirit of Juniper. Oil of Juniper, 50 ; 
Alcohol, 950. 

Dose, 30 to 60 m. ; 2. to 4. c.c. 

2. Spiritus Juniperi Compositus. — Compound Spirit of Juniper. 
Oil of Juniper, 8 ; Oil of Caraway, I ; Oil of Fennel, I ; Alcohol, 
1400 ; Water to 2000. 

Dose, 1 to 4 0. dr. ; 4. to 15. c.c] 

Action of Oil of Juniper. 

Oil of juniper has much the same action as oil of turpentine ; 
but it is not so liable to upset the digestion ; and although it is 
a powerful renal stimulant and diuretic, it does not easily cause 
hematuria and albuminuria. [Because of its antiseptic proper- 
ties it is employed for the preservation of cat-gut.] 



570 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Therapeutics of Oil of Juniper. 

Internal. — Occasionally it is given as a pleasant carminative 
and stomachic, but its main use is as a diuretic in heart disease, 
hepatic ascites, and chronic Bright' s disease. It must not be 
given in the acute form, and should always be combined with 
other diuretics. It certainly markedly increases the quantity 
of the urine, which it causes to smell like violets. As [it is] a 
constituent of Holland and [other] gins these are good forms of 
alcohol for persons suffering from the above diseases. 

BUCHU. 

BUCHU. — Synonym. — Bucco. The leaves of Barosma betulina 
[(Thunberg) Bartling et Wendland, and Barosma crenulata (Linne) Hooker 
(nat. ord. Rutacece). Habitat. — Southern Africa. 

Characters. — About 15 mm. long, roundish-obovate, with a rather 
wedge-shaped base, or varying between oval and obovate, obtuse, crenate or 
serrate, with a gland at the base of each tooth, dull yellowish-green, thickish, 
pellucid-punctate ; odor and taste strongly aromatic, somewhat mint-like, pun- 
gent and bitterish.] Resembling Buchu. — Senna and Uva Ursi, which have 
entire leaves. 

Impurity. — Leaves of Emplanum serrulatum, which have no glands. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) A yellowish-brown volatile 
oil, from the glands. [(2) A stearopten {Diosphenol, C 10 H 16 O 2 )] in solution 
in a liquid hydrocarbon. The stearopten is deposited on exposure to air. (3) 
A [glucoside Barosmin, soluble in alcohol (scarcely so, if cold) and in ether, 
volatile oils, dilute acids and alkalies. (4) Rutin, a bitter principle. (5) 
Mucilage. 

Dose, 15 to 30 gr. ; 1. to 2. gm.] 

Preparation. 

[Extractum Buchu Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Buchu. By 
maceration and percolation with Alcohol, and evaporation. 
Dose, 15 to 30 m. ; 1. to 2. c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Buchu. 

A medicinal dose of buchu causes a slight feeling of warmth 
in the stomach, and a large one gives rise to vomiting. The 
volatile oil diffuses into the blood and is excreted by the bron- 
chial mucous membrane, which it stimulates, and buchu is there- 
fore occasionally given as an expectorant. Most of the oil is 



VOLATILE OILS. 5/1 

excreted by the kidneys, which are also stimulated, and thus 
buchu is a mild diuretic. In the process of excretion it gives 
a peculiar odor to the urine, and acts as an astringent and dis- 
infectant to the urinary tract, especially the bladder. It 
has consequently been administered for cystitis, irritable bladder, 
pyelitis, gonorrhoea, etc. Large doses continued for a long 
time are said to damage the kidney. The infusion [B. P., i to 
20, dose 1 to 2 n. oz., 30. to 60. c.c] contains very little of 
the oil. The fluid extract does not mix well with water on ac- 
count of the oil in it. The action of the buchu is much the 
same as that of pareira, ($r. v.) but it is pleasanter to take, and 
is a good vehicle for diuretics. 

COPAIBA. 
COPAIBA. — Synonyms. — Copaiva. [Balsam of Copaiba. (This is not 
a true balsam because it does not contain cinnamic or benzoic acid). The oleo- 
resin of Copaiba Langsdorffli (Desfontaines) O. Kuntze, and of other species 
of Copaiba (nat. ord. Leguminosce). Habitat. — Brazil, Venezuela and New- 
Granada. 

Characters. — A transparent or translucent, more or less viscid liquid, of 
a pale yellow to brownish-yellow color, having a peculiar, aromatic odor, and 
a bitter acrid taste. Sp. gr., 0.940 to 0.990. Solubility. — Insoluble in 
water ; readily soluble in absolute Alcohol, Ether, Chloroform, Carbon Disul- 
phide, Benzin, and fixed and volatile oils.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) The volatile oil, 48 to 85 
percent, {see below). (2) The Resin, 15 to 52 per cent, {see below), which 
exists dissolved in the oil. It consists of two Resins : {a) Copaivic Acid, 
[C 20 H 30 O 22 ,] the chief constituent, a crystalline Resin, with a faint odor, a 
bitter taste, insoluble in water, easily soluble in absolute Alcohol and Am- 
monia ; {b) a non-crystallizable, viscid Resin, l^£ per cent. 

Impurities. — Turpentine, detected by the smell on heating. Fixed oils ; 
these leave a greasy ring round the resinous stain when heated on paper. 
Gurjun Balsam, which coagulates at 270 F. ; [132 C. ;] Copaiba does not. 

Dose, }( to 1 fl. dr. ; [1. to 4. c.c] 

Preparation. 

[Massa Copaibse. — Mass of Copaiba. Synonym. — Solidified 
Copaiba. Copaiba, 94 ; Magnesia, 6. By trituration with water, and 
heating. 

Dose, y{ to 1 dr. ; 1. to 4. gm.] 

OLEUM COPAIBA.— [Oil of Copaiba.] A volatile oil distilled from 
Copaiba. 



572 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Characters. — [A colorless or pale yellowish liquid, having the charac- 
teristic odor of Copaiba, and an aromatic, bitterish and pungent taste. It is 
isomeric with Turpentine, C 10 H I6 . Sp. gr., 0.890100.910. Solubility .—In 
about 10 times its volume of Alcohol.] 

Composition. — It consists chiefly of the hydrocarbon, Caryophyllene {see 

P- 534)- 

Dose, 5 to 15 m. ; [.30 to 1.00 c.c] suspended in Mucilage of Acacia 
(i}4 A- oz. [45. c.c] for every fl. oz. [30. c.c] of Oil of Copaiba) or yolk of 
egg. Cinnamon or Peppermint Water, with Tincture of Orange or Ginger, 
covers the taste. It may be dissolved in water with the aid of Liquor Potassae, 
with which it forms a soap, or it may be given in capsules. 

[RESINA COPAIB2E.— Resin of Copaiba. The residue left after 
distilling off the volatile oil from Copaiba. 

Characters. — A yellowish or brownish-yellow, brittle resin, having a 
slight odor and taste of Copaiba. Solubility .—In Alcohol, Ether, Chloro- 
form, Carbon Disulphide, Benzol, or Amylic Alcohol. 

Dose, 5 to 15 gr. ; .30 to 1.00 gm.] 

Action of Copaiba. 

External. — Copaiba is a stimulant to the skin. 

Internal. — Gastro-intestinal tract. — It acts like other volatile 
oils. Small doses produce a feeling of warmth in the epigas- 
trium ; but with large doses its irritant effect leads to vomiting 
and diarrhoea. Its taste is [unpleasant] , and the eructations it 
may cause are very disagreeable. 

Mucous membrane. — Here also it acts like other volatile oils. 
It is quickly absorbed, and then is excreted by all the mucous 
membranes, which it stimulates in its passage through them, in- 
creasing their vascularity and the amount of their secretion, 
which, if foul, is disinfected. Because of these actions it is a 
disinfectant expectorant, and a stimulating disinfectant to 
the whole of the genito-urinary tract. It imparts a powerful 
odor to the breath and mucous secretions. It is also excreted by 
the skin, and its irritant effect here is seen in the erythematous 
rash it often produces. Some, too, passes out by the milk. 

Kidneys. — Copaiba has a more marked action on the kidneys 
than most substances containing volatile oils, and this is in great 
part due to the resin, which is particularly stimulating to the 



VOLATILE OILS. 573 

renal organs, and copaiba is therefore a useful diuretic. Large 
doses of it greatly irritate the kidney, as is shown by pain in the 
loins and blood and albumin in the urine. The oil and the resin 
are excreted in the urine, and the resin can be [precipitated] 
from it by nitric acid ; but this precipitate is known not to be 
albumin by the fact that it is evenly distributed through the fluid 
and is dissolved by heat. [It also leads to confusion when 
Trommer's test is employed to detect glucose.] If the renal 
congestion is severe, the urine may be very scanty. 

Therapeutics of Copaiba. 

Internal. — Genito-nrinary tract. — Copaiba, or more usually 
its oil, is largely used to stimulate and disinfect this part of the 
body in cases of pyelitis, vaginitis, and gonorrhoea. It is often 
prescribed for this last disease, and is best given when the acute 
symptoms have subsided, otherwise it may increase them. 

Kidneys. — The resin is an admirable diuretic for hepatic and 
cardiac dropsy, but because of its liability to irritate the kidneys 
should not be given in Bright' s disease. After a time patients 
seem to become accustomed to it, for the diuresis is not so 
marked as at first. It is [disagreeable] and difficult to make 
palatable. Fifteen grains [i. gm.] of the resin with 20 minims 
[1.20 c.c] of alcohol, 15 grains [1. gm.] of tragacanth to sus- 
pend it, and a fluid drachm [4. c.c] of syrup of ginger in an 
ounce [30. c.c] of water may be given for a dose. 

Bronchial mucous membrane. — Copaiba is occasionally used 
as a disinfectant expectorant when the secretion is very foul — as, 
for example, when the bronchial tubes are dilated. 

Skin. — Copaiba has been given in chronic skin diseases, as 
psoriasis, for the cutaneous stimulation caused by it, but it is now 
quite discarded. 

The reasons why it is rarely used except in gonorrhoea, for 
which it would not be employed if it had not such a strongly 
marked beneficial action, are that the smell of the breath of 
those taking it is very disagreeable, it is very [unpleasant] to the 
taste, and often causes indigestion. 



574 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

[OLEUM THYMI. 

OIL OF THYME.— A volatile oil distilled from the leaves and flower- 
ing tops of Thyimis vulgaris Linne (nat. ord. Labiatce). Habitat. — Southern 
France. 

Characters. — A yellowish or yellowish-red liquid, having a strong odor 
of Thyme, and an aromatic, pungent, afterwards cooling taste. It becomes 
darker and thicker by age and exposure to the air. Sp. gr., 0.900 to 0.930. 

Solubility. — In half its volume of Alcohol, forming a clear solution, which 
is neutral or only very slightly acrid to litmus paper. Also soluble in all pro- 
portions, in Carbon Disulphide, and in Glacial Acetic Acid. 

Composition. — Its chief constituents are the hydrocarbons — (1) Cymene, 
C 10 H U . (2) Thymene, C 10 H 16 . 

Dose, 1 to 5 m. ; .06 to .30 c.c. 

Action and Uses of the Oil of Thyme. 

Its action is similar to that of copaiba. The chief use of oil 

of thyme is as a source of thymol. It has been employed in 

the treatment of bronchitis, gonorrhoea, gleet, leucorrhoea, and 

vesical catarrh.] 

CUBEBA. 

CUBEB. — The unripe fruit of Piper Ctibeba [Linne filius (nat. ord. 
Piperacece). Habitat. — Java ; cultivated. 

Characters. — Globular, about 4 or 5 mm. in diameter, contracted at the 
base into a rounded stipe about 6 or 8 mm. long, reticulately wrinkled, 
blackish- gray, internally whitish and hollow ; odor strong, spicy ; taste aro- 
matic and pungent.] Resembling Cubeb. — Pepper and Pimenta ; neither has 
a stalk. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) The volatile oil [5 to] 
15 per cent, {see below). (2) The Oleoresin, 6 per cent, {see below), which 
contains Cubebin, a white, crystalline, odorless substance, and Cubebic Acid. 
(5) A little Piperine. 

Dose, 30 to 60 gr. ; [2. to 4. gm.] 

Preparations. 

1. [Extractum Cubebae Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Cubeb. 
By maceration and percolation with Alcohol, and evaporation. 

Dose, y 2 to 1 fl. dr. ; 2. to 4. c.c. 

2. Oleoresina Cubebae. — Oleoresin of Cubeb. 

Source. — By percolation with Ether; distil off, and evaporate the 
Ether. 

Oleoresin of Cubeb is used to make Trochisci Cubebae. 
Dose, 5 to 30 m. ; .30 to 2.00 c.c. 



VOLATILE OILS. 575 

3. Tinctura Cubebae. — Tincture of Cubeb. Cubeb, 200. By 
maceration and percolation with Alcohol to 1000. 

Dose, y 2 to 3 fl. dr. ; 2. to 12. c.c. 

4. Trochisci Cubebae. — Troches of Cubeb. Oleoresin of Cubeb, 
4; Oil of Sassafras, I ; Extract of Glycyrrhiza, 25 ; Acacia, 12 gm. ; 
Syrup of Tolu, sufficient quantity to make loo troches. Each troche 
contains 7^ m. ; .04 c.c, of the Oleoresin.] 

Dose, 1 to 6 troches. 

OLEUM CUBEB^. — Oil of Cubeb. A vplatile oil distilled from 
Cubeb. 

Characters. — A colorless, [pale greenish, or yellowish liquid, having 
the characteristic odor of Cubeb, and a warm, camphoraceous, aromatic taste. 
Sp. gr., about 0.920. Solubility. — Soluble in an equal volume of Alcohol.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Cubeb Ca?nphor, [C 15 
H 26 0, a Stearopten. (2) Two oils, C 15 H 24 . (3) A small amount of a 
Terpene. ] 

Dose, 5 to 20 m. ; [.30 to 1.20 c.c] suspended in Mucilage. 

Action of Cubeb. 

External. — Like other substances containing a volatile oil, 
cubeb is rubefacient when rubbed into the skin. 

Internal. — Small doses are stomachic and carminative, and 
improve digestion, but moderate doses are very liable to cause 
dyspepsia. Cubeb enters the blood, and, like many volatile oils, 
slightly stimulates the heart, and also excites the organs through 
which it is excreted. Occasionally, therefore, it causes an ery- 
thematous eruption on the skin ; it increases and disinfects the 
bronchial secretion, and is consequently an expectorant ; but its 
main action' is on the genito-urinary passages, the mucous 
membrane of which is powerfully stimulated, and the secretions 
of which are disinfected. The kidneys are also irritated, hence 
cubeb is a diuretic. It appears in the urine in a form (probably 
as a salt of cubebic acid) which may be precipitated by nitric 
acid. 

Therapeutics of Cubeb. 

It is sometimes employed as [troches], or as a powder, or as the 
smoke of cubeb cigarettes, to stimulate the mucous membrane in 
cases of slight bronchitis, chronic sore throat, or follicular pharyn- 
gitis. Chronic nasal catarrh and hay-fever have been treated by 



576 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

insufflations of the powder. [The symptom] asthma is sometimes 
relieved by the cigarettes. Many popular bronchial troches con- 
tain cubeb ; in them it exercises its expectorant action. Cubeb 
is rarely used as a stomachic or cardiac stimulant, because it is so 
liable to upset digestion ; but as it is less likely to do so than 
copaiba, is a little pleasanter to take, and is almost as powerful a 
stimulant to the geni to-urinary mucous membrane ; it is largely 
used in gleet, gonorrhoea, and chronic cystitis. 

OLEUM SANTALI. 

OIL OF SANTAL.— Synonym.— [Oil of Sandal Wood. A volatile oil 
distilled from the wood of Santalu?n album Linne (nat. ord. Santalacece). 
Habitat. — Southern India. 

Characters. — A pale yellowish or yellow, somewhat thickish liquid, 
having a peculiar, strongly aromatic odor, and a pungent, spicy taste. _ Sp. gr., 
0.970 to 0.978. It deviates polarized light to the left: distinction from 
Australian (Sp. gr. , 0.953) an d West Indian (Sp. gr., 0.965) Sandal 
Wood Oil, which deviate polarized light to the right. Solubility. — Readily in 
Alcohol. 

Composition. — Santalol, C 15 H 26 0, an alcohol, 90 per cent. 

Dose, 2 to 10 m. ; [.12 to .60 ex.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Oil of Santal. 

The action of the oil of santal is the same as that of volatile 
oils in general, but, like that of the oils of copaiba and cubeb, 
it is especially manifested in the genito-urinary mucous 
membranes, which are stimulated and disinfected. The 
drug is used in gonorrhoea and gleet. [It is best administered in 
capsules, or in an emulsion.] It is pleasanter than copaiba, but 
more expensive. It appears in the urine half an hour after 
administration. Some of it is excreted by the bronchial mucous 
membrane; it is, therefore, a stimulating disinfectant expecto- 
rant. Two or three drops on sugar will frequently relieve the 
hacking cough so often met with when but little sputum is 

expectorated. 

[MATICO. 

MATICO. — The leaves of Piper angustifolium Ruiz et Pavon (nat. ord. 
Piperace<z). Habitat. — Tropical America. 

CHARACTERS. — From 10 to 15 cm. long, short petiolate, oblong-lanceolate, 
apex pointed, base unequally heart-shaped, margin very finely crenulate, tessel- 



VOLATILE OILS. ^JJ 

lated above, reticulate beneath, the meshes small, and the veins densely brown- 
ish-hairy ; aromatic, spicy and bitterish. Resembling Matico leaves. — Digitalis 
leaves, which are less deeply reticulated. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (i) Volatile oil, [2^ per 
cent. (2) A pungent resin. (3) A bitter principle. (4) Artanthic Acid. 
(5) Tannic acid. 

Dose, y 2 to 2 dr. ; 2. to 8. gm. 

Prep a rations. 

1. Extractum Matico Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Matico. By 
maceration and percolation with Alcohol and Water, and evaporation. 

Dose, y z to 2 fl. dr. ; 2. to 8. c.c. 

2. Tinctura Matico. — Tincture of Matico. Matico, 100, by 
maceration and percolation with Diluted Alcohol to 1000. 

Dose, y 2 to 1 fl. oz. ; 15. to 30. c.c. 

Action and Therapeutics of Matico. 

The volatile oil of matico probably has much the same action 

as that of cubeb, influencing chiefly the genito-urinary passages. 

It has been given for the same cases, but is now rarely used. The 

leaves are sometimes placed upon a bleeding surface. Their 

numerous hairs promote the clotting of the blood, and thus they 

are haemostatic. 

DAMIANA. 

D AMI AN A. (Not official.) — The leaves of several plants, principally 
Bigelovia veneta Gray and Turnera microphylla De Candolle, var., aphro- 
disiac a (nat. ord. Tumeracece). Habitat. — Western North America. 

Composition. — The chief constituents of the last as given by Rantzer are 
— (1) A volatile oil, 1 per cent., amber-colored, having an aromatic odor, and 
a warm camphoraceous taste. (2) Tannic acid. (3) Two resins. 

Dose, ^ to 1 oz. ; 15. to 30. gm. 

Action and Uses of Damiana. 
Damiana has enjoyed considerable reputation as a remedy for 
sexual atony. Some observers believe it to be only tonic. It is 
best administered as a fluid extract, in the dose of y 2 fl. dr.. , 2. cc. 

Class VI.— THOSE USED CHIEFLY FOR THEIR ACTION ON 
THE FEMALE GENITAL ORGANS. 

SABINA. 
SAVINE. — The tops of Jiuiiperns Sabina Linne (nat. ord. Conifers). 
Habitat. — Siberia, Europe, Canada and Northern United States. 

37 



57^ ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Characters. — Short, thin, subquadrangular branchlets ; leaves rather 
dark green, in four rows, opposite, scale-like, ovate-lanceolate, more or less 
acute, appressed, imbricated on the back with a shallow groove containing an 
oblong or roundish gland ; odor peculiar, terebinthinate ; taste nauseous, resin- 
ous and bitter. 

Composition. — The chief constituent is the volatile oil (see below), about 
2 per cent. 

Dose, 5 to 15 gr. ; .30 to 1.00 gm. 

Preparation. 

Extractum Sabinse Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Savine. By 
maceration and percolation with Alcohol, and evaporation. 
Dose, 5 to 15 m. ; .30 to 1.00 c.c. 

OLEUM SABINE.— Oil of Savine. A volatile oil distilled from 
Savine. 

Characters. — A colorless or yellowish liquid, having a peculiar terebin- 
thinate odor, and a pungent, bitterish and camphoraceous taste. It becomes 
darker and thicker by age and exposure to the air. Sp. gr., 0.910 to 0.940. 
Solubility. — Soluble in equal volume of Alcohol. 

Composition. — It contains several terpenes. 

Dose, 1 to 5 m. ; .06 to .30 c.c. 

Action of Savine. 
Oil of savine has the same action as oil of turpentine, but it 
is more marked. Thus externally it causes great redness, pain, 
vesication, and even pustulation. Internally it may produce 
severe gastro-intestinal irritation, with vomiting, abdominal pain 
and purging. In its excretion through the kidney and the mu- 
cous membranes of the genito-urinary tract it severely irritates 
them ; thus hematuria, scanty urine, and pain on micturition may 
follow its use. The point in which the action of oil of savine 
differs from that of the oil of turpentine is that it powerfully 
irritates the ovaries and uterus, causing hyperemia of them 
and accelerating menstruation. It also induces contractions of 
the pregnant uterus, and therefore it is an ecbolic. 

Therapeutics of Savine. 

The cerate made from the fluid extract, 1; in resin cerate, 

4, has been used as a powerful irritant and counter-irritant, and 

internally savine may be given as an emmenagogue ; but, on the 

whole, its use is to be discouraged, as it is so liable to cause 



VOLATILE OILS. 579 

serious gastroenteritis. It has often been administered as an 
ecbolic with criminal intent, but it is rarely used in medicine. 

TANACETUM. 

TANSY. — The leaves and tops of Tanacetum vulgare Linne (nat. ord. 
Composite). Habitat. — Asia and Europe ; naturalized in North America ; 
cultivated. 

Characters. — Leaves about 15 cm. long; bipinnatifid, the segments 
oblong, obtuse, serrate, or incised, smooth, dark green and glandular ; flower- 
heads corymbose, with an imbricated involucre, a convex, naked receptacle, 
and numerous yellow, tubular florets ; odor strongly aromatic ; taste pungent 
and bitter. 

Composition. — (1 Tanacetin, C n H 16 Q 4 , a bitter principle. (2) Volatile 
oil, ^ per cent. (3) Tannic acid. 

Dose, %. to 1 dr. ; 1. to 4. gm. 

Action and Uses of Tansy. 
Tansy possesses the properties of an aromatic bitter, and is an 
irritant narcotic. It has been used as an abortifacient, but is 
dangerous in large doses, several fatal cases having been recorded. 

OLEUM RUT^S. 

OIL OF RUE. (Not official. )— The volatile oil distilled from the fresh 
herb of Ruta graveolens (nat. ord. Rutacece). Habitat. — Britain. 

Characters. -A light yellow oil, becoming brown on keeping. Taste 
bitter. Odor aromatic, disagreeable. Soluble in an equal weight of Alcohol. 
Sp. gr., about 0.880. 

Composition. — It consists mainly of Methyl-nonyl Ketone, CH 3 ,CO. 
C 9 H 19 . 

Dose, 1 to 4 m. ; .06 to .25 c.c. 

Action and Therapeutics of Oil of Rue. 

External. — Oil of rue is irritant and vesicant. 

Internal. — In large doses it is a powerful gastro-intestinal 
irritant. It is eliminated in, and may be recognized by its odor 
in the urine, breath and perspiration. It is irritant to the kid- 
neys, ovaries and uterus, and excites the menstrual flow ; 
consequently it is given in amenorrhcea. From its stimulating 
action on the uterus rue has been used as an abortifacient, and 
fatal cases of poisoning from gastro-intestinal irritation have 
been recorded. It is very rarely given as a medicine. In all 
points its action resembles that of savine.] 



58O ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

GROUP VII. 

Vegetable Bitters. 

All these substances contain a bitter principle which stimulates the functions 
of the stomach. 

Calumba, [Canella, Calamus,] Gentian, Quassia, Cascarilla, Chirata, 
Cusparia, Serpentaria, Cimicifuga, Dandelion, Orange Peel. 

[Calumba, Canella, Calamus, Gentian, Quassia, Chirata, Cusparia and Dan- 
delion, do not contain Tannic Acid.] 

CALUMBA. 

CALUMBA. — [Synonym. — Columbo. The root of Jateorrhiza palmata 
(Lamarck) Miers (nat. ord. Menispermacece). Habitat. — Eastern Africa; 
cultivated in some East Indian Islands. 

Characters. — In nearly circular disks, 3 to 6 cm. in diameter, externally 
greenish-brown and wrinkled, internally yellowish or grayish-yellow, depressed 
in the centre, with a few interrupted circles of projecting wood-bundles, dis- 
tinctly radiate in the outer portion ; fracture short, mealy ; odor, slight ; taste 
mucilaginous, slightly aromatic, very bitter.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Calumbin, C 21 H 22 7 , a 
neutral, bitter principle crystallizing in white needles. (2) Berberine [C 20 
H 17 N0 4 ], an alkaloid (a. v.), giving the yellow color. (3) Calumbic acid, 
C 21 H 22 6 ]. (4) Starch, ^ per cent. No Tannic Acid is present, so Calumba 
can be prescribed with iron salts. 

Dose, 5 to 30 gr. ; [.30 to 2.00 gm.] 

Preparations. 

1. [Extractum Calumbse Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Calumba. 
By maceration and percolation in Alcohol and Water and evaporation. 

Dose, 5 to 30 m. ; .30 to 2.00 c.c. 

2. Tinctura Calumbse. — Tincture of Calumba. Calumba, 100, 
by maceration and percolation in Alcohol and Water to 1000. 

Dose, 1 to 4 fl. dr. ; 4. to 15. c.c] 

Action of Calumba. 

External. — Calumba is a mild antiseptic and disinfectant. 
Internal. — Mouth. — Calumba is a typical bitter; the appe- 
tite is sharpened because the gustatory nerves are stimulated ; 



VEGETABLE BITTERS. 58 I 

this reflexly leads to dilatation of the gastric vessels and to an 
increase in the gastric and salivary secretions. 

Stomach. — The effects on the gastric mucous membrane which 
were brought about reflexly by the stimulation of the gustatory 
nerves are further exaggerated by the arrival of the saliva in the 
stomach, and by the direct action of the calumba on it, for 
although the immediate effect of a bitter in the stomach is to 
diminish the flow of gastric juice, it is [rapidly] absorbed, and 
after absorption it has the power to quickly increase the flow of 
gastric juice. The result of these actions is to cause a feeling of 
hunger, an extra secretion of gastric juice and greater vascular 
dilatation, and all this helps the digestion of the food. 
Peristalsis in the stomach and intestine is made slightly more ac- 
tive, and thus calumba is carminative. Large doses have a 
paralytic effect on the secretion, and are very powerful. The 
long continued use of bitters leads to gastric catarrh and conse- 
quent indigestion. 

Most of these substances, like volatile oils, cause an increased 
migration of leucocytes from the intestinal glands into the 
blood. 

Injected [into] the rectum bitters are anthelmintic, destroy- 
ing the threadworm. 

Therapeutics of Calumba. 
Calumba is only employed to stimulate the gastric functions 
and improve the appetite in cases of chronic indigestion due to 
a general weakness of action on the part of the stomach. It is 
thus a type of the large class of stomachics. It is especially 
valuable in that form of dyspepsia in which the stomach par- 
ticipates in a general feebleness of all the organs of the body, 
such as we see in anaemia, starvation, convalescence from acute 
diseases, tuberculosis and general exhaustion. Bitters should 
never be used when there is acute or subacute gastritis, a gastric 
ulcer or pain. They will obviously make all these conditions 
worse. They must not be too concentrated, nor given for too 
long a time, lest they should over-irritate the stomach. They 
should always, as far as possible, be combined with modes of 



582 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

treatment designed to relieve the cause of the dyspepsia. Often 
they are called tonics ; all that is meant by this is that, as they 
render the digestion of food more easy, the general health will 
improve. Most bitters, when given as rectal injections [ad- 
ministered when the patient is in the knee-chest position], are 
anthelmintics for the Oxyuris vermicularis. Half a pint [250. 
c.c] of the infusion [B. P., Calumba, 1; cold water (to avoid 
extracting the starch), 20;] maybe thrown [into] the rectum 

of an adult. 

[CANELLA. 

CANELLiE CORTEX.— (Not official.)— Canella Bark. The bark 
of Canella alba (nat. ord. Canellacece) deprived of its corky layer and dried. 
Habitat. — South Florida and the Bahamas. 

Characters. — Quills, 8 to 20 cm. long, or flattish pieces. Externally, 
orange- brown or buff, with sometimes remains of corky layer as silver-gray 
patches ; whitish internally. Agreeable odor, like Cloves and Cinnamon ; 
bitter taste. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are: (1) A volatile oil (1 per 
cent.), consisting of several oils, one of which is identical with Eugenic Acid, 
obtained from Oil of Cloves. (2) A bitter principle, Canellin. No Tannic 
Acid is present. 

Dose, 15 to 60 gr. ; 1. to 4. gm. 

Action and Uses of Canella. 
Canella is an aromatic bitter stomachic, not often prescribed. 

CALAMUS. 

CALAMUS. — Synonym. — Sweet Flag. The rhizome of Acorus Cal- 
amus Linne (nat. ord. Aroidece). Habitat. — Europe and North America, on 
the banks of streams and ponds. 

Characters. — In sections of various lengths, unpeeled, about 2 cm. 
broad, subcylindrical, longitudinally wrinkled ; on the upper surface marked 
with leaf-scars forming triangles, and on the lower surface with the circular 
scars of the rootlets in wavy lines ; externally reddish-brown, somewhat annu- 
late from remnants of leaf-sheaths ; internally whitish, of a spongy texture, 
breaking with a short, corky fracture, showing numerous oil-cells and scattered 
wood-bundles, the latter crowded within the subcircular endoderm. It has 
an aromatic odor, and a strongly bitter taste. As found in the shops it is gen- 
erally peeled. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Acorin C 36 H 60 O 6 , a bitter 
glucoside, as a syrupy, yellow liquid. (2) Volatile oil, I to 2 per cent. (3) 
Calamine, an alkaloid. (4) Choline. 



VEGETABLE BITTERS. 583 

Preparation. 

Extractum Calami Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Calamus. By- 
maceration and percolation with Alcohol, and evaporation. 
Dose, 15 to 60 m. ; 1. to 4. ex. 

Action and Uses of Calamus. 

Sweet flag is a simple bitter and feeble aromatic, and is used 
with advantage in pain or uneasiness in the stomach or bowels 
arising from flatulence, or as an adjuvant to purgative medicines.] 

GENTIANA. 

GENTIAN. — [The root of Gentiana lutea Linne (nat. ord. Gentianece). 
Habitat. — Mountains of Central and Southern Europe. 

CHARACTERS. — In nearly cylindrical pieces or longitudinal slices, about 
25 mm. thick, the upper portion closely annulate, the lower portion longitudi- 
nally wrinkled ; externally deep yellowish-brown ; internally lighter ; some- 
what flexible and tough when damp ; rather brittle when dry ; fracture uneven ; 
the bark rather thick, separated from the somewhat spongy meditullium by a 
black cambium line ; odor peculiar, faint, more prominent when moistened ; 
taste sweetish and persistently bitter. ] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Gentiopicrin, an active, 
very bitter glucoside, soluble in water and Alcohol. Can be split up into 
glucose and Gentiogenin. (2) Gentisic Acid, [C u H 10 O 5 , in yellow, tasteless 
needles,] united with Gentiopicrin. (3) A trace of a volatile oil. (4) Gentian- 
ose, a sugar. Gentian contains no Tannic Acid, but cannot be prescribed with 
iron, because that darkens the coloring matter. 

Incompatibles. — Iron salts, silver nitrate, and lead salts. 

Dose, 5 to 30 gr. ; [.30 to 2.00 gm.] 

Preparations. 

1. Extractum Gentianae. — [Extract of Gentian. By maceration 
and percolation with Water, and evaporation. 

Dose, 2 to 10 gr. ; .12 to .60 gm. 

2. Extractum Gentianae Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Gentian. 
By maceration and percolation with Diluted Alcohol, and evaporation. 

Dose, 5 to 30 m. ; .30 to 2.00 c.c. 

3. Tinctura Gentianae Composita. — Compound Tincture of 
Gentian. Gentian, 100 ; Bitter Orange Peel, 40 ; Cardamom, 10. By 
maceration and percolation with Alcohol and Water to 1000. 

Dose, 1 to 4 fl. dr. ; 4. to 15. c.c] 



584 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Action and Therapeutics of Gentian. 

Gentian has the same action as other bitters, such as calumba, 
and is employed for the same class of cases. It is more used 
than any other bitter, because its taste is pleasant and it is not 
astringent. 

QUASSIA. 

QUASSIA. — [The wood of Picrcena excelsa (Swartz) Lindley (nat. ord. 
Simarubece). Habitat. — Jamaica. 

Characters. — In billets of various sizes, dense, tough, of medium hard- 
ness, porous, with a minute pith and marrow, medullary rays ; inodorous, and 
intensely bitter. In the shops it is usually met with in the form of chips or 
raspings of a yellowish-white color.] Resembling Quassia. — Sassafras, but 
this is aromatic and not bitter. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) [Quassiin, C 10 H 12 O 3 , a 
bitter principle occurring in crystalline rectangular plates.] (2) A volatile oil. 
No Tannic Acid being present, Quassia can be prescribed with iron salts. 

Preparations. 

1. [Extractum Quassiae. — Extract of Quassia. By percolation 
with Water, and evaporation. 

Dose, y 2 to 3 gr. ; .03 to .20 gm. 

2. Extractum Quassiae Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Quassia. 
By maceration and percolation with Alcohol and Water, and evapora- 
tion. 

Dose, %\o 1 fl. dr. ; 1. to 4. c.c. 

3. Tinctura Quassiae. — Tincture of Quassia. Quassia, 100 ; by 
maceration and percolation with Alcohol and Water to 1 000. 

Dose, ]/ z to 2 fl. dr. ; 2. to 8. c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Quassia. 

Quassia is an aromatic bitter stomachic, acting in the same way 
as calumba. As it contains no tannic acid it is often prescribed 
with iron. The only objection to it is that some persons find it 
too bitter. Injected per rectum, it is an excellent anthelmintic 
for Oxyuris vermicularis ; half a pint [250 c.c] of the infusion 
[1 to 100 of cold water to avoid extraction of too much of the 
bitter principle,] may be given for this purpose, [the patient 
being in the knee-chest position.] 



VEGETABLE BITTERS. 585 

CASCARILLA. 

CASCARILLA.— [The bark of Croton Eluteria Bennett (nat. ord. 
Euphorbiacece). Habitat. — Bahama Islands. 

Characters. — In quills or curved pieces about 2 mm. thick, having a 
grayish, somewhat fissured, easily detached, corky layer, more or less coated 
wilh a white lichen, the uncoated surface being dull brown, and the inner sur- 
face smooth. It breaks with a short fracture, having a resinous and radially 
striate appearance. When burned, it emits a strong, aromatic, somewhat 
musk-like odor ; its taste is warm and very bitter. ] Resembling Cascarilla. — 
Pale Cinchona, which is less white, smooth and small. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Cascarillin, a bitter, neu- 
tral crystalline substance. (2) Volatile oil, [1.5 per cent.] (3) Resin. (4) 
Tannic acid. 

Incompatibles.— Mineral acids, lime water and metallic salts. 

Dose, 10 to 30 gr. ; [.60 to 2.00 gm.] 

Action and Therapeutics of . Cascarilla. 

Cascarilla, because of its bitter principle cascarillin, like other 

vegetable bitters, improves the digestion, and this stomachic and 

carminative action is aided by the volatile oil in it. It is pleasant 

to take, and is suitable for the same cases as calumba. The 

infusion [1 to 20] will not keep good for more than a day unless 

the tincture [1 to 15] is added to it. Mineral acids precipitate 

the resin from the tincture ; therefore the infusion should be 

prescribed with them. 

CHIRATA. 

CHIRATA. — Synonym. — Chiretta. [The entire plant, Swej'tia Chirata 
Hamilton (nat. ord. Gentianece). Habitat. — Mountains of Northern India. 

Characters. — Root nearly simple, about 7 cm. long ; stem branched, 
nearly I meter long, slightly quadrangular above ; containing a narrow wood- 
circle and a large yellowish pith. Leaves opposite, sessile, ovate, entire five- 
nerved. Flowers numerous, small, with a four-lobed calyx and corolla. The 
whole plant smooth, pale brown, inodorous, and intensely bitter.] Resembling 
Chirata. — Lobelia, which is not bitter. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Ckiratin, [C 26 H 48 15 ,] an 
active, bitter principle, as a yellow, hygroscopic powder. (2) Ophelic Acid, 
C 13 H 20 O u ,] with which it is combined. No Tannic Acid is present. 

Dose, ^ to 1 dr. ; [2. to 4. gm.] 

Preparations. 
[1. Extractum Chiratae Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Chirata. By 
maceration and percolation with Alcohol and Water, and evaporation. 
Dose, y 2 to 1 fl. dr. ; 2. to 4. c.c. 



586 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

2. Tinctura Chiratse. — Tincture of Chirata. Chirata, 100 ; by 
maceration and percolation with Alcohol and Water to 1000. 
Dose, ^ to 2 fl. dr. ; 2. to 8. c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Chirata. 

Chirata has the same actions and uses as gentian, calumba and 
other bitters. As it contains no tannic acid, it can be given 
with iron. It is more [frequently] used in India. 

CUSPARIA. 

CUSPARIA CORTEX. [B. P., not official.]— Cuspari a Bark. Syn- 
onym. — Angustura Bark. The bark of Cusparia febrifuga (nat. ord. Rutacece). 
[Habitat. — ] Tropical South America. 

Characters. — Flat or curved pieces or quills, [16 cm.] or less long, [4 
mm.] thick, obliquely cut on the inner edge. Externally a yellowish-gray, 
mottled, corky layer, which can be scraped off, and shows a dark brown 
resinous layer; inner surface light brown, flaky. Fracture short, resinous, and 
showing, under a lens, white points or lines. Taste bitter, aromatic. Odor 
musty, disagreeable. [Resemb/ing Cusparia. — Canella Alba, but this is 
darker, and has pared edges. ] 

Impurity. — Bark of Strychnos nux-vomica (false Angustura bark) ; its 
inner surface gives bright blood-red color with Nitric Acid, showing Brucine ; 
Cusparia does not. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Cttsparine, or Angustu- 
rine, a crystalline bitter alkaloid. (2) An alkaloid, Galipeine. (3) An alka- 
loid, Galipidine. (4) An alkaloid, Cusparidine. (5) An aromatic oil. It is 
stated that no Tannic Acid is present, but Iron Salts are incompatible with 
Cusparia. 

Incompatibles. — Mineral acids and metallic salts. 

Dose, 10 to 40 gr. ; [.60 to 2.40 gm.] 

Preparation. 

Infusum Cuspariae. [B. P., not official. — Infusion of Cusparia], 
Cusparia, 5 ; Water at 120 F. ; [48. 8° C] (to avoid extraction of 
nauseous principles), 100. 

Dose, 1 to 2 fl. oz. ; [30. to 60. c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Cusparia. 

Cusparia bark is an aromatic bitter, having a similar action 
to calumba. It is used to make Angustura Bitters. In South 
America it is given [in large doses] as an antiperiodic. 



VEGETABLE BITTERS. 58/ 

SERPENTARIA. 

SERPENTARIA. — Synonym. — [Virginia Snakeroot. The rhizome 
and roots of Aristolochia Serpentaria Linne, and of Aristolochia reticulata 
Nuttall (nat. ord. Aristolochiacete). Habitat. — United States, in hilly woods. 

Characters. — The rhizome is about 25 mm. long, thin, bent ; on the 
upper side with approximate short stem bases ; on the lower side with numer- 
ous, thin, branching roots about 10 cm. long ; dull, yellowish-brown, inter- 
nally whitish ; the wood-rays of the rhizome longest on the lower side ; odor 
aromatic, camphoraceous ; taste warm, bitterish, and camphoraceous. The 
roots of Aristolochia reticulata are coarser, longer, and less interlaced than 
those of Aristolochia Serpentaria.] Resembling Serpentaria. — [Veratrum 
Viride, {see p. 442),] Arnica, (see p. 530), and Valerian, (see p. 556.) 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — ( 1) A bitter principle, Aristo- 
lochine [in light-yellow needles. (2) A volatile oil, ^ per cent, containing a 
Terpene, and mainly C 15 H 25 2 , Borneol Ether. (3) Resin. (4) Tannic 
Acid in small quantity. 

Serpentaria is used to prepare Tinctura Cinchonas Composita.] 

Dose, 10 to 30 gr. ; [.60 to 2.00 gm.] 

Preparations. 

[1. Extractum Serpentariae Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Ser- 
pentaria. By*maceration and percolation with Alcohol and Water, and 
evaporation. 

Dose, 10 to 30 m. ; .60 to 2.00 c.c. 

2. Tinctura Serpentariae. — Tincture of Serpentaria. Serpen- 
taria, 100 ; by maceration and percolation with Alcohol and Water to 
1000. 

Dose, y z to 2 fl. dr. ; 2. to 8. c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Serpentaria. 

In the small doses in which serpentaria is given in medicine 

it is a bitter stomachic, acting just like calumba and cascarilla, 

and is used for the same class of cases. It is rarely prescribed 

alone. In large doses it produces vomiting and purging. Many 

virtues have been attributed to it which it [quite likely] does 

not possess. 

CIMICIFUGA. 

CIMICIFUG A. —[Synonyms.— Black Snakeroot. Black Cohosh. The 
rhizome and roots of Cimicifuga racemosa (Linne) Nuttall (nat. ord. Ranun- 
culacea?). Habitat. — North America ; in rich woodlands, westward to Eastern 
Kansas. 



588 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Characters.— -The rhizome is of horizontal growth, hard, 5 cm. or more 
long, about 25 mm. thick, with numerous stout, upright or curved branches, 
terminated by a cup-shaped scar, and with numerous wiry, brittle, obtusely 
quadrangular roots, about 2 mm. thick ; the whole brownish-black, of a slight 
but heavy odor, and of a bitter, acrid taste. Rhizome and branches have a 
smooth fracture, with a rather large pith, surrounded by numerous sublinear, 
whitish wood-rays, and a thin, firm bark. The roots break with a short 
fracture, have a thick bark, and contain a ligneous cord expanding into about 
four rays. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) An acrid, crystalline prin- 
ciple, soluble in Chloroform and Alcohol. (2) Tannic and Gallic Acids. (3) 
Two Resins.] 

Cimicifugin or Macrotin is an impure resin deposited from the tincture on 
adding water. 

Preparations. 

1. Extractum Cimicifugae. — [Extract of Cimicifuga. By macer- 
ation and percolation with Alcohol, and evaporation. 

Dose, 1 to 5 gr. ; .06 to .30 gm. 

2. Extractum Cimicifugae Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Cimici- 
fuga. By maceration and percolation with Alcohol, and evaporation. 

Dose, y z to 1 fl. dr. ; 2. to 4. c.c. 

3. Tinctura Cimicifugae. — Tincture of Cimicifuga. Cimicifuga, 
200 ; by maceration and percolation with Alcohol to 1 000. 

Dose, y 2 to 2 fl. dr. ; 2. to 8. c.c] 

Action of Cimicifuga. 

Cimicifuga has two chief actions. It influences the gastric 
secretion like any other bitter, and, to a slight extent, it de- 
presses the rate, but increases the force of the pulse, like digitalis. 
The arterial tension rises. It is said to cause contractions of the 
uterus and to increase the menstrual flow. 

Therapeutics of Cimicifuga. 

It has been used for chorea, dyspepsia, bronchitis, amenor- 
rhea, dysmenorrhea, rheumatism, neuralgia, and many other 
diseases. The evidence that it does much good [beyond that 
accomplished by a simple bitter] , is slight. 

TARAXACUM. 
TARAXACUM. — [Synonym. — Dandelion. The root of Taraxacum 
officinale Weber (nat. ord. Composite), gathered in autumn. Habitat. — Grassy 
places and roadsides in Europe ; naturalized in the United States. 



VEGETABLE BITTERS. 589 

Characters. — Slightly conical, about 30 cm. long, and I or 2 cm. thick 
above, crowned with several short, thickish heads, somewhat branched, bark 
brown, longitudinally wrinkled, when dry breaking with a short fracture, 
showing a yellowish, porous central axis, surrounded by a thick, white bark, 
containing numerous milk vessels arranged in concentric circles ; inodorous ; 
bitter.] Resembling Taraxacum. — Pellitory, which is pungent when chewed. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — [(1) Taraxacin, a crystalline 
bitler principle, soluble in water and Alcohol. (2) Taraxacerin, C g H 16 0]. 
(3) Asparagin (found in asparagus, marsh-mallow, liquorice, euonymus) of no 
therapeutic value. (4) Inulin. (5) Resin (which gives the juice its milky 
appearance). 

[Impurity. — The root of the Chicorium Intybus, which is paler, and has 
the milk vessels in radiating lines.] 

Dose, 1 to 3 dr. ; [4. to 12. gm.] 

Preparations. 
[1. Extractum Taraxaci. — Extract of Taraxacum. By expres- 
sion and straining and evaporation. 

Dose, 5 to 30 gr. ; .30 to 2.00 gm. 

2. Extractum Taraxaci Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Taraxacum. 
By maceration and percolation with diluted Alcohol and evaporation. 
Dose, 1 to 4 fl. dr. ; 4. to 15. gm.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Dandelion. 
Dandelion is a simple bitter, and acts as a stomachic, just 
like calumba. It is also slightly laxative. It was formerly much 
more used than at the present day. It has been said to stimulate 
the flow of bile, but this is incorrect. [The vulgar name by 
which dandelion is known both in England and France suggests 
that it may be diuretic] 

AURANTII CORTEX. 

[AURANTII AMARI CORTEX.— Bitter Orange Peel. The rind 
of the fruit of Citrus vtdgaris Risso (nat. ord. Rutacece). Habitat. — Northern 
India ; cultivated in subtropical countries. 

Characters. — In narrow, thin bands, or in quarters ; epidermis of a 
dark, brownish-green color, glandular, and with very little of the spongy, white 
inner layer adhering to it ; it has a fragrant odor, and an aromatic, bitter taste. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) A volatile oil, consisting 
mainly of Hesperidene, C, H 16 , with a small portion of Geraniol, C 10 H 16 O. 
(2) Three glucosides, Hesperidin, Isohesperidin and Attrantiamarin, the bitter 
principle. Both Bitter and Sweet Orange Peel contain a substance which re- 
acts with iron salts and Tannic Acid. 



590 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Bitter Orange Peel is used in preparing Tinctura Cinchonse Composita 
and Tinctura Gentianse Composita. 

Preparations. 

i. Extractum Aurantii Amari Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of 
Bitter Orange Peel. By maceration and percolation with Alcohol and 
water, and evaporation. 

Dose, ^ to i fl. dr. ; 2. to 4. c.c. 

2. Tinctura Aurantii Amari. — Tincture of Bitter Orange Peel. 
Bitter Orange Peel, 200. By maceration and percolation with Alcohol 
and water to 1000. 

Dose, 1 to 2 fl. dr. ; 4. to 8. c.c. 

AURANTII DULCIS CORTEX.— Sweet Orange Peel. The rind 
of the fresh fruit of Citrus Aurantium Linne (nat. ord. Rutacece). Habitat. 
— As of the Citrus vulgaris. 

Characters. — Closely resembling Bitter Orange Peel, but having an 
orange-yellow color. It has a sweetish, fragrant odor, and an aromatic, slightly 
bitter taste. 

Composition. — As of the Bitter Orange Peel. 

Preparations. 

1. Syrupus Aurantii. — Syrup of Orange. Sweet Orange Peel, 
50 ; Precipitated Calcium Phosphate, 50 ; Sugar, 700. By boiling 
with Alcohol, mixture of the tincture (thus formed) in Sugar with Water, 
addition of Water and filtration to 1000. 

Dose, as vehicle. 

2. Tinctura Aurantii Dulcis. — Tincture of Sweet Orange Peel. 
Sweet Orange Peel, 200. By maceration and percolation with Alcohol 
to 1000. 

Dose, 1 to 2 fl. dr. ; 4. to 8. c.c. 

OLEUM AURANTII CORTICIS.— Oil of Orange Peel, a volatile 
oil obtained by expression from the fresh peel of either the Bitter Orange, 
Citrus vulgarus Risso, or the Sweet Orange, Citrus Aurantium Linne (nat. 
ord. Rutacece). 

Characters. — A pale, yellowish liquid, having the characteristic, aro- 
matic odor of Orange, and an aromatic and, when obtained from the Bitter 
Orange, somewhat bitter taste. Sp. gr., about 0.850. Solubility. — In four 
times its volume of Alcohol. 

Impurities. — Oil of Turpentine or other oils containing Pinene. 

Oil of Orange Peel is contained in Spiritus Myrciae. 



VEGETABLE BITTERS. 591 

Preparations. 

i. Spiritus Aurantii. — Spirit of Orange. Oil of Orange Peel, 50; 
Deodorized Alcohol, 950. 
Dose, as vehicle. 

2. Spiritus Aurantii Compositus. — Compound Spirit of Orange. 
Oil of Orange Peel, 200 ; Oil of Lemon, 50 ; Oil of Coriander, 20 ; 
Oil of Anise, 5 ; Deodorized Alcohol to 1000. 

Dose, as vehicle. 

3. Elixir Aromaticum. — Aromatic Elixir. Compound Spirit of 
Orange, 12; Syrup, 375; Precipitated Calcium Phosphate, 15; De- 
odorized Alcohol, Distilled Water, each, a sufficient quantity to make 
1000. By solution of the Compound Spirit of Orange in Deodorized 
Alcohol, to 250; addition of Syrup and Precipitated Calcium Phos- 
phate, and filtering, with Distilled Water to 1 000. 

Dose, as vehicle. 

OLEUM AURANTII FLORUM.— Oil of Orange Flowers. Syn- 
onym. — Oil of Neroli. A volatile oil distilled from fresh flowers of the Bitter 
Orange, Citrus vulgaris Risso (nat. ord. Rutacece). 

Characters. — A yellowish or brownish, thin liquid, having a very fra- 
grant odor of Orange Flowers, and an aromatic, somewhat bitter taste. Sp. 
gr., 0.875 to 0.890. Solubility. — In an equal volume of Alcohol. 

Preparations. 

1. Aqua Aurantii Florum Fortior. — Stronger Orange Flower 
Water. Synonym. — Triple Orange Flower Water. Water saturated 
with the volatile oil of fresh Orange Flowers. 

Dose, indeterminate. 

2. Aqua Aurantii Florum. — Orange Flower Water. Stronger 
Orange Flower Water, 500; Distilled Water to 1000. 

Dose, indeterminate. 

3. Syrupus Aurantii Florum. — Syrup of Orange Flowers. Sugar, 
850 ; Orange Flower Water to 1 000. 

Dose, indeterminate.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Orange. 

The various preparations of the orange are used largely as 
flavoring agents. They are slightly bitter and stomachic. [The 
aromatic elixir is an excellent flavoring agent and vehicle for 
liquid medicines.] 



592 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

GROUP VIII. 

Vegetable Drugs containing Tannic Acid. 

These are all astringent. 

[Oak Bark,] Nutgall, [Tannic Acid, Gallic Acid, Pyrogallol,] Catechu, 

Krameria, Kino, Haematoxylon, Hamamelis, [Rhus Glabra, 

Geranium, Rubus, Rumex,] Eucalyptus Gum, [Goto.] 

[QUERCUS ALBA.— White Oak. The bark of the Quercus alba 
Linne (nat. ord. Cupuliferce). Habitat. — North America, westward to Min- 
nesota, Kansas, and Mississippi ; in woods. 

Characters. — In nearly flat pieces, deprived of the corky layer, about 5 
mm. thick ; pale brown ; inner surface with short, sharp, longitudinal ridges ; 
tough ; of a coarse, "fibrous fracture, a faint, tan-like odor, and a strongly 
astringent taste. As met with in the shops it is usually an irregularly coarse, 
fibrous powder, which does not tinge the saliva yellow. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (i) Quercitannic acid, [C 28 H 24 
12 , 6 to II per cent., a variety of Tannic Acid. (2) Quercin, a bitter prin- 
ciple. (3) Quercite, a sugar. (4) Resin. 

Incompatibles. — See Tannic Acid, p. 593.] 

GALLA. — [Nutgall. An excrescence on Quercus lusitanica Lamarck 
(nat. ord. Cupuliferce), caused by the punctures and deposited ova of Cynips 
Gallce tinctorice Olivier (class Insecta ; order Hymenoptera. Habitat, — 
Levant. 

Characters. — Subglobular, 1 or 2 cm. in diameter, more or less tuber- 
culated above, otherwise smooth, heavy, hard ; often with a circular hole near 
the middle, communicating with the central cavity ; blackish olive-green or 
blackish-gray ; fracture granular, grayish ; in the centre a cavity containing 
either the partly developed insect, or purulent remains left by it ; nearly in- 
odorous, taste strongly astringent. ] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Tannic Acid, [50 to 60] 
per cent. (2) Gallic Acid, 2 to [3] per cent. (3) Sugar. (4) Resin. 

Incompatibles. — See Tannic and Gallic Acids, [p. 593 and p. 596.] 

Preparations. 

1. Tinctura Gallae. — [Tincture of Nutgall. Nutgall, 200 ; by 
maceration with Glycerin, 100, and Alcohol to 1000. 

Dose, 1 to 2 fl. dr. ; 4. to 8. c.c. 

2. Unguentum Gallae. — Nutgall Ointment. Nutgall, 20 ; Ben- 
zoinated Lard, 80.] 



VEGETABLE DRUGS CONTAINING TANNIC ACID. 593 

ACIDUM TAN N I CUM .—Tannic Acid, [HC U H 9 9 = 3 2I.22. Syn- 
onyms. — Tannin. Gallotannic Acid. Digallic Acid. An organic acid ex- 
tracted from Nutgall.] 

Source. — ( 1) Expose powdered Nutgall to a damp atmosphere for twenty- 
four hours. (2) Add Ether to form a paste, and let it stand, closely covered, 
for six hours. (3) Express this in a close canvas cloth, between tinned plates, 
reduce the resulting cake to powder and mix with sufficient Ether and express 
as before. (4) Mix the expressed liquids and allow the mixture to evaporate 
spontaneously. Tannic Acid remains. [2HC 7 H 5 5 — H 2 0=HC u H 9 O g .] 

Characters. — [A light yellowish, amorphous powder, usually cohering 
in form of glistening scales or spongy masses, odorless, or having a faint char- 
acteristic odor, and a strongly astringent taste; gradually turning darker when 
exposed to air and light. Solubility. — In about 1 part of water, and in 0.6 
part of Alcohol ; also in about I part of Glycerin, with the intervention of a 
moderate heat ; freely soluble in diluted Alcohol, sparingly in absolute Alco- 
hol ; almost insoluble in absolute Ether, Chloroform, Benzol or Benzm.] 

Incompatibles. — Mineral acids, alkalies, antimony, lead, silver, and 
ferric salts, alkaloids, gelatin, and emulsions. 

Dose, 1 to 20 gr. ; [.06 to 1.20 gm.] 

Preparations. 

[1. Collodium Stypticum. — Styptic Collodion. Tannic Acid, 
20 ; Alcohol, 5 ; Ether, 25 ; Collodion, to 100. By solution. 

2. Trochisci Acidi Tannici. — Troches of Tannic Acid. Tannic 
Acid, 6; Sugar, 65; Tragacanth, 2 gm.; Stronger Orange Flower 
Water, a sufficient quantity to make 100 troches. Each troche contains 
about 1 gr. ; .06 gm. of Tannic Acid. 

Dose, 1 to 3 troches. 

3. Unguentum Acrdi Tannici. — Ointment of Tannic Acid. Tan- 
nic Acid, 20 ; Benzoinated Lard, 80. 

4. Glyceritum Acrdi Tannici. — Glycerite of Tannic Acid. Tan- 
nic Acid, 20 ; Glycerin, 80,] 

Action of Tannic Acid. 

External. — Tannic acid is one of the most important drugs, 
because it coagulates albumin and gelatin with great readiness ; 
that is to say, it tans the tissues, for it is by coagulating the in- 
terstitial fluid in skins that tannic acid converts them into 
leather. The coagulated albumin or gelatin powerfully resists 
putrefaction. If an albuminous discharge is taking place from a 
sore or mucous surface and tannic acid is applied, the excreted 

38 



594 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

fluid is coagulated, and the coagulum forms a solid protecting 
layer which prevents further discharge. As the tannic acid soaks 
into the tissues it coagulates the albuminous fluids there also, and 
this still further hinders the discharge of fluid, therefore it is an 
energetic astringent. If bleeding is taking place, tannic acid 
of course coagulates the blood as it flows and the clots plug the 
vessels ; at the same time the coagulum formed within the tissues, 
by its contraction, constricts the blood-vessels, and thus tannic 
acid becomes a powerful haemostatic. It has no noteworthy 
direct effect on the blood-vessels themselves. Tannic acid is 
mildly depressant to sensory nerves. Like other acids it is irri- 
tant, but it is very feebly so, and consequently its action in this 
direction is more than counterbalanced by its strongly astringent 
effects. 

Internal. — Gastro-intestinal tract. — Because tannic acid co- 
agulates the mucous secretions and the fluids in mucous mem- 
branes, it makes the mouth dry and feel stiff when locally ap- 
plied ; in the stomach large doses prevent the secretion of gastric 
juice, decrease the flow of mucus, and may cause vomiting. For 
these reasons, and also because it precipitates pepsin, it interferes 
with digestion. It will check gastric haemorrhage. In the in- 
testine is is either converted into gallic acid, or forms al- 
kaline tannates, and until these alterations it acts as an intestinal 
astringent, controlling intestinal bleeding and causing constipa- 
tion ; but this acid and these salts have no astringent properties, 
therefore when, [as is often the case,] drugs containing large 
amounts of tannic acid act as powerful intestinal astringents, we 
must suppose that the amount of tannic acid taken is. large 
enough for the conversion of it, into salts or gallic acid, to take 
place slowly. It is absorbed chiefly as gallates, and to a much 
less extent as tannates. 

Remote effects. — Gallates and undecomposed alkaline tannates 
circulate in the blood, but they have no power to coagulate al- 
bumin, nor have they any astringent influence when locally ap- 
plied, therefore it is difficult to believe that tannic acid has any 
remote astringent or haemostatic effects ; some claim that it has, 
but they have not proved their case. It is excreted in the urine 



VEGETABLE DRUGS CONTAINING TANNIC ACID. 595 

of animals as gallates with traces of tannates, but in man no 
derivative of it can be detected in the urine or other excretions, 
so that any which has been absorbed is entirely decomposed in 
the body. Any excess passes out in the faeces as tannates and 
gallates. Many vegetable substances, as logwood, depend for 
their astringent properties on the tannic acid they contain. 

Therapeutics of Tannic Acid. 

The therapeutical applications of tannic acid are very numer- 
ous. It is used as an astringent for ulcers, sores, various moist 
eruptions, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, nasal catarrh, otorrhcea, gastric 
catarrh, diarrhoea (large doses of 30 gr. ; [2 gm.] maybe given, 
and catechu and logwood are favorite remedies), leucorrhcea, 
gonorrhoea, rectal ulcers, fissures, and prolapse. It is employed 
as a haemostatic in bleeding from small wounds, ulcers, the gums, 
the pharynx, the nose, the stomach, the intestine, haemorrhoids, 
and the bladder. Whenever -practicable a good method of ap- 
plication is to dust it on the part, especially for a haemorrhage ; 
if this is gastric or intestinal, 30 gr. ; [2. gm.] or more should 
be frequently given by the mouth. For external use or applica- 
tion to the throat the glycerite is useful. A gargle of the gly- 
cerite in water, [1 to 8] may be made. The [troches] are con- 
venient for pharyngitis. A spray (1 to 2 in 96 of water) or an 
insufflation of tannic acid and starch may be used for the mouth 
and larynx. The ointment of [nutgall] and opium, [1 to 14 
of ointment of nutgall,] is a favorite application for piles. The 
suppositories [3 gr. ; . 20 gm. each] are useful for rectal discharges. 
Solutions [1 to 48] in water may be injected into the urethra 
for urethritis and gonorrhoea, and into the bladder for cystitis. 
[It should never be used hypodermatically]. The decoction 
of oak bark, employed as a [high] rectal injection, destroys the 
threadworm. [A preparation of nutgall dissolved in glycerin 
was formerly used as an injection into hernial sacs (Heaton's 
method). The temporary results were excellent, but sooner or 
later failures occurred in a very large percentage of cases. 

Tannigen (not official), the acetic acid ester of tannic acid, 
is prepared by the action of glacial acetic acid on tannic acid. 



596 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

It is a tasteless, odorless powder, insoluble in water, and is believed 
to pass unchanged through the stomach and to be slowly decom- 
posed in the intestines, thus exerting an astringent effect in them. 
The dose is 5 to 30 gr. , .30 to 2,00 gm. in wafers. 

Tannalbin (not official) is a tannin albuminate which has 
been subjected to a dry heat of 230 - 248 F. (iio°-i2o° C.) for 
several hours. It is a faintly yellow, tasteless powder containing 
about 50 per cent, of tannic acid. Laboratory experiments have 
shown that it is not easily decomposed by an artificial gastric 
juice, but it is rapidly separated into its constituents in an alka- 
line medium or by an artificial solution of the pancreatic fer- 
ments. This preparation then passes through the stomach un- 
changed, and may not be broken up until it has passed well down 
into the intestine. The dose is 5 gr., .30 gm., given in wafers 
at frequent intervals. 

ACIDUM GALLICUM.— Gallic Acid. HC 7 H 5 5 -fH 2 0[=i87.55. 

An organic acid, usually prepared from Tannic Acid. 

Source. — By exposing a mixture of Nutgall and distilled water in the 
form of a thin paste, to the air for a month, expressing and rejecting the liquor, 
boiling the residue with distilled water and filtering, when hot, through purified 
Animal Charcoal. HC M H 9 9 +H 2 0=2HC 7 H 5 5 . 

Characters. — White, or pale fawn-colored, silky, interlaced needles, 
or triclinic prisms ; odorless ; having an astringent or slightly acidulous taste ; 
permanent in the air. Solubility. — In 100 parts of water, and in 5 parts of 
Alcohol ; also soluble in 40 parts of Ether, and in 12 parts of Glycerin. Very 
slightly soluble in Chloroform, Benzol, or Benzin.] 

Incompatibles. — Ferric and metallic salts generally, and Spiritus zEtheris 
Nitrosi. 

Dose, 5 to 20 gr. ; [.30 to 1.20 gm.] 

Action and Uses of Gallic Acid. 
Gallic acid has no power to coagulate albumin, and therefore 
possesses none of the local properties of tannic acid. If it is 
wished to produce the supposed remote astringent effects of tan- 
nic acid, gallic acid may be administered, for tannic acid is in 
the intestine converted into it. 

PYROGALLOL. 

[PYROGALLOL.— C 6 H 3 (OH) 3 =I25.7. Synonym.— Pyrogallic Acid. 
Source. — A triatomic phenol obtained chiefly by the dry distillation of 
Gallic Acid. HC 7 H 5 5 =C 6 H 3 (OH) 3 -f C0 2 . 



VEGETABLE DRUGS CONTAINING TANNIC ACID. 597 

Characters. — Light white, shining laminae, or fine needles, odorless, 
and having a bitter taste ; acquiring a gray or darker tint on exposure to air 
and light. Solubility. — In 1.7 parts of water, and in I part of Alcohol; also 
soluble in 1.2 parts of Ether.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Pyrogallol. 
It is used externally as an ointment (Jarisch's ointment is 
pyrogallic acid, 1; lard, 8) for the treatment of chronic psoria- 
sis. It is also an excellent parasiticide for ringworm. [Before 
pyrogallol is used, vaseline should be applied thoroughly, and 
wiped off, to remove scales and other morbid products.] It 
must not be applied over too large a surface, as it may be ab- 
sorbed, and then it breaks up the blood corpuscles, causing 
methaemoglobinuria and jaundice. Jarisch's ointment is very 
strong ; a more usual strength is 1 or 2 [or even less] to 48 of 
lard. [When it is applied in solution or ointment, it stains the 
skin, but not permanently ; linen and clothing are, however, 
permanently darkened. To avoid the staining it has been pro- 
posed to dissolve the remedy in flexible collodion, 1 or 2 to 24.] 

CATECHU. 

CATECHU. — [Synonym. — Cutch. An extract prepared from the wood 
of Acacia Catechu (Linne films) Willdenow (nat. ord. Leguminosce). Habitat. 
— India. 

Characters. — In irregular masses, containing fragments of leaves, dark 
brown, brittle, somewhat porous and glossy when freshly broken. It is nearly 
inodorous, and has a strongly astringent and sweetish taste. ] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Catechutannic Acid, about 
45 percent., the active principle, isomeric with Catechin, and converted into 
it by boiling or by the saliva, a red color being formed. (2) Catechin or 
Catechuic Acid [C 21 H 20 O 9 -|-5H 2 O], probably inactive. Both constituents 
give a green precipitate with Ferric Salts. (3) Pyrocatechin or catechol gives 
a green color with ferric chloride. 

Incompatibles. — Alkalies, metallic salts, and gelatin. 

Impurity. — Starch. 

Dose, 10 to 30 gr. ; [.60 to 2.00 gm.] 

Preparations. 

1. [Tinctura Catechu Composita. — Compound Tincture of Cate- 
chu. Catechu, 100 ; Cassia Cinnamon, 50 ; by maceration and perco- 
lation with diluted Alcohol, to 1000. 

Dose, y 2 to 2 fl. dr. • 2. to 8. c.c. 



598 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

2. Trochisci Catechu. — Troches of Catechu. Catechu, 6 ; 
Sugar, 65 ; Tragacanth, 2 gm. ; Stronger Orange Flower Water, a 
sufficient quantity to make 100 troches. Each troche contains about 
I gr. ; .06 gm. 

Dose, 1 to 6 troches.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Catechu. 
Catechu is a powerful astringent, acting in virtue of its 
tannic acid, and having a precisely similar action to it. It is 
used as a [troche] for sore throat, and the compound [tincture] 
is very efficacious for diarrhoea. 

KRAMERIA. 

[KRAMERIA. — Synonym. — Rhatany. The root of Krameria triandra 
Ruiz et Pavon, and of Krameria Ixina Linne (nat. ord. Polygalecc). Habitat. 
— Peru and Bolivia. 

Characters. — From 1 to 3 cm. thick, knotty and several-headed above, 
branched below, the branches long ; bark smooth or, in the thinner pieces, 
scaly, deep rust-brown, I to 2 mm. thick, very astringent, inodorous ; wood 
pale brownish red, tough, with fine medullary rays, nearly tasteless. The root 
of Krameria Ixina (Savanilla Rhatany) is less knotty and more slender, and 
has a dark purplish-brown bark, about 3 mm. thick.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) \_Kramerotannic Acid, 
C 54 H 24 21 , 20 per cent. (2) Rhatanin. (3) Rhatanic red, C 26 H 22 11 ], the 
coloring matter. 

Incompatibles. — Alkalies, lime water, iron and lead salts, and gelatin. 

Dose, 5 to 30 gr. ; [.30 to 2.00 gm.] 

Preparations. 

1. Extractum Krameriae. — [Extract of Krameria. By percola- 
tion with water, straining and evaporation. 

Dose, 5 to 10 gr. ; .30 to .60 gm. 

2. Extractum Krameriae Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Krameria. 
By maceration and percolation with Glycerin and Diluted Alcohol, and 
evaporation. 

Fluid Extract of Krameria is used to make Syrupus Kramerice. 
Dose, 5 to 30 m. ; .30 to 2.00 c.c. 

3. Tinctura Krameriae. — Tincture of Krameria. Krameria, 200; 
by maceration and percolation with Diluted Alcohol to 1 000. 

Dose, y z to 2 fl. dr. ; 2. to 8. c.c. 

4. Trochisci Krameriae. — Troches of Krameria. Extract of 
Krameria, 6 ; Sugar, 65 ; Tragacanth, 2 gm. ; Stronger Orange Flower 



VEGETABLE DRUGS CONTAINING TANNIC ACID. 599 

Water, a sufficient quantity to make 100 troches. Each troche con- 
tains about I gr. ; .06 gm. 
Dose, 1 to 5 troches. 

5. Syrupus Krameriae. — Syrup of Krameria. Fluid Extract of 
Krameria, 450 ; Syrup, 550. 

Dose, yi to 4 fl. dr. ; 2. to 15. c.c] 

Action of Krameria. 
The action of krameria is due entirely to the tannic acid it 
contains. It is therefore a powerful astringent. 

Therapeutics of Krameria. 
The extract is the important ingredient of many tooth pow- 
ders which are useful when the gums are liable to bleed. An 
infusion [B. P., 1 to 20] is an excellent gargle for a relaxed 
throat, and the troches are also efficacious. [The B. P. has a 
troche each containing 1 gr.; .06 gm. of the extract with ^0 S r -j 
.003 gm. of cocaine hydrochlorate, with a fruit basis.] Bleed- 
ing from the nose or the rectum may be stopped by applying 
powdered krameria locally ; the infusion may be used as an in- 
jection in leucorrhcea or gonorrhoea. Any of its preparations, 
especially [the fluid extract] are powerful astringents for all 
varieties of diarrhoea, and may be taken to stop bleeding from 
the stomach and intestines. They are also given as remote 
haemostatics for haemoptysis and hematuria, but they are not 

reliable for these purposes. 

KINO. 

KINO. — [The inspissated juice of Pterocarpus Marsupium Roxburgh 
(nat. ord. Legnminosce). Habitat. — East Indies. 

Characters. — Small, angular, dark brownish-red, shining pieces, brittle, 
in thin layers ruby red and transparent, inodorous, very astringent and sweet- 
ish, tingeing the saliva deep red. Solubility. — Soluble in Alcohol, nearly in- 
soluble in Ether, and only slightly soluble in cold water. ] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Kinotannic Acid, [C l8 
H 18 8 ,] 75 per cent. (2) Kinoin, a crystalline neutral principle. (3) Pyro- 
catechin, C s H 4 (OH 2 ), a substance also found pathologically in the urine, and 
giving it a dark color. It reduces blue copper solutions. (4) Kino red, 
formed from kinotannic acid by oxidation. (5) Gum. 

INCOMPATIBLES. — Mineral acids, alkalies, all metallic salts, carbonates, 
and gelatin. 

Dose, 5 to 30 gr. ; [.30 to 2.00 gm.] 



600 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Preparation. 

Tinctura Kino. — [Tincture of Kino. Kino, ioo ; Glycerin, 150. 
By maceration and filtration with water, 200 ; and Alcohol to 1 000. 
Dose, ^ to 2 fl. dr. ; 1. to 8. c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Kino. 

Kinotannic acid acts like tannic acid, and therefore kino is 
a powerful astringent. It is used in astringent gargles, and 
also in diarrhoea mixtures. 

HiEMATOXYLON. 

H^MATOXYLON.— %o«j/«.— Logwood. [The heart-wood of 
Hcematoxylon campechianum Linne (nat. ord. Legtwiinoscs). Habitat. — 
Central America; naturalized in the West Indies. 

Characters. — Heavy, hard, externally purplish -black, internally brown- 
ish-red, and marked with irregular, concentric circles, splitting irregularly ; 
odor faint, agreeable ; taste sweetish, astringent. When chewed, it colors 
the saliva dark pink. Logwood is generally met with in the form of small 
chips or coarse powder of a dark brownish-red color, often with a greenish 
lustre.] Resembling Logwood. — Red Saunders, which is more dense and 
less astringent. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Tannic Acid. (2) Hcema- 
toxylin, C 16 H u 6 , 12 per cent. Occurring in [sweet], colorless crystals, 
which become dark -red on exposure to light. Solutions of it are used to stain 
histological specimens. [(3) Hceniatein, C 16 H 12 O e , a product of oxidation 
of the former, having a green, metallic lustre.] 

Incompatibles. — Mineral acids, lime water, and tartar emetic ; metallic 
salts give a blue color. 

Preparation. 

[Extractum Haematoxylon. — Extract of Haematoxylon. By 
maceration in Water, boiling, straining and evaporation. 
Dose, 5 to 15 gr. ; .30 to 1.00 gm.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Logwood. 

In virtue of its tannic acid, logwood is a powerful astringent, 
and for this purpose is used to control diarrhoea of all sorts. It 
may be combined with other astringents, as chalk and [with] 
opium [to check peristalsis.] It does not easily produce consti- 
pation. It colors the urine and faeces dark red. One disadvan- 
tage of it is that it stains linen, if [it comes in contact with] it. 



VEGETABLE DRUGS CONTAINING TANNIC ACID. 6oi 

HAMAMELIS. 

HAMAMELIS. — [Synonym. — Witchhazel. The leaves of Hamamelis 
virginiana Linne (nat. ord. Hamamelacece), collected in autumn. Habitat. — 
North America, in thickets. 

Characters. — Short petiolate, about iocm. long, obovate or oval, slightly 
heart-shaped and oblique at the base, sinuate-toothed, thickish, nearly smooth ; 
inodorous ; taste astringent and bitter.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (I) Tannic Acid, 8 per cent. 
(2) A bitter principle not yet isolated. (3) Resin. 

Preparation. 

[Extractum Hamamelidis Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Hama- 
melis. By maceration and percolation with Glycerin, Alcohol and 
Water, and evaporation. 

Dose, y z to 2 fl. dr. ; 2. to 8. c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Witchhazel. 

Hamamelis is, because of its tannic acid, astringent and 
haemostatic. The [fluid] extract is used for capillary haemor- 
rhage from wounds, for bleeding from the nose, the sockets of 
the teeth, the gums, or from piles, and it may be injected into 
the bladder in vesical haemorrhage. For all these purposes it is 
diluted with water; the fluid extract in 10 or 20 parts of water 
is commonly employed. Locally applied, hamamelis, either as 
the ointment [B. P., 1 to 10, made from the fluid extract] or 
the diluted fluid [extract], is used as an astringent in bruises, 
sprains, pharyngitis, and nasal catarrh. The ointment is often 
used for piles. Given by the mouth, hamamelis may check 
diarrhoea, dysentery, etc.; and it is reputed to be a remote 
haemostatic and astringent, but this is probably incorrect. 
Hazeline is a distilled extract from the leaves. [A preparation of 
witchhazel in popular use is known as Pond's extract. 

RHUS GLABRA. 

RHUS GLABRA. — Synonym. — Sumach. The fruit of Rhus glabra 
Linne (nat. ord. Anacardiece). Habitat. — North America, west to Colorado 
and Idaho ; in barren soil. 

Characters. — Subglobular, about 3 mm. in diameter, drupaceous, crim- 
son, densely hairy, containing a roundish-oblong, smooth putamen ; inodor- 
ous ; taste acidulous. 



602 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (I) Tannic Acid, of which 
it contains from 6 to 27 per cent. (2) Gallic Acid. (3) Acid calcium and 
potassium malates. (4) A red coloring matter. 

Preparation. 

Extractum Rhois Glabrae Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Rhus 
Glabra. By maceration and percolation with Glycerin and Diluted 
Alcohol, and evaporation. 

Dose, }( to 1 fl. dr. ; 1. to 4. c.c. 

Action and Uses of Rhus Glabra. 

Sumach fruit is astringent and refrigerant. The fluid extract, 
when diluted, affords a very useful and effective gargle for in- 
flammation and ulceration of the throat. 

GERANIUM. 

GERANIUM. — Synonym. — Cranesbill. The rhizome of Geranium 
maculatum Linne (nat. ord. Geraniacece). Habitat. — North America, in 
woods and thickets. 

Characters. — Of horizontal growth, cylindrical, 5 to 7 cm. long ; about 
I cm. thick ; rather sharply tuberculated, longitudinally wrinkled, dark 
brown ; fracture short, pale reddish-brown ; bark thin ; wood-wedges yellow- 
ish, small, forming a circle near the cambium line; medullary rays broad; 
central pith large ; roots thin, fragile ; inodorous ; taste strongly astringent. 

Composition. — (1) Tannic Acid, 12 to 17 per cent. (2) Gallic Acid. 
(3) Pectin. 

Preparation. 

Extractum Geranii Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Geranium. 
By maceration and percolation with Glycerin and Diluted Alcohol, and 
evaporation. 

Dose, ^ to 1 fl. dr. ; 1. to 4. c.c. 

Action and Uses of Geranium. 

Geranium is one of the best indigenous astringents, and is of 
great use in diarrhoea and dysentery, and in the various haemor- 
rhages. 

RUBUS. 

RUBUS. — Synonym. — Blackberry. The bark of the root of Rubus vil- 
losus Aiton, Rubus canadensis Linne, and Rubus trivialis Michaux (nat. ord. 
Rosacea). Habitat. — North America, in fields and thickets. 



VEGETABLE DRUGS CONTAINING TANNIC ACID. 603 

Characters. — In thin, tough, flexible bands, outer surface blackish or 
blackish-gray, inner surface pale brownish, sometimes with strips of whitish, 
tasteless wood adhering; inodorous; taste strongly astringent, somewhat 
bitter. 

Composition. — (1) Tannic Acid, 10 to 13 per cent. (2) Gallic Acid, 
0.4 per cent. (3) Villosin, a bitter crystalline glucoside, soluble in Alcohol. 

Preparations. 

1. Extractum Rubi Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Rubus. By 
nTaceration and percolation with Glycerin, Alcohol and Water, and 
evaporation. 

Fluid Extract of Rubus is used to make Syrupus Rubi. 
Dose, Yz to 2 fl. dr. ; 2. to 8. c.c. 

2. Syrupus Rubi. — Syrup of Rubus. Fluid Extract of Rubus, 
250 ; Syrup, 750. 

Dose, 1 to. 2 fl. dr. ; 4. to 8. c.c. 

Action and Uses of Blackberry. 

The preparations made from blackberry root are tonic and 
slightly astringent. They are used for diarrhoea ; blackberry 
brandy is a common domestic remedy. 

RUMEX. 

RUMEX. Synonym. — Yellow Dock. The root of Rumex crispus 

Linne, and of some other species of Rumex (nat. ord. Polygonacece). Hab- 
itat. — Europe ; naturalized in North America, in grassy places and along road- 
sides. 

Characters. — From 20 to 30 cm. long, about 10 to 15 mm. thick, some- 
what fusiform, fleshy, nearly simple, annulate above, deeply wrinkled below ; 
externally rusty brown, internally whitish, with fine, straight, interrupted, red- 
dish, medullary rays, and a rather thick bark ; fracture short ; odor slight, 
peculiar ; taste bitter and astringent. 

Composition.- (i) Tannic Acid. (2) Rumicin, identical with Chry- 
sophanic Acid. (3) Calcium Oxalate, and other salts. 

Dose, X to x dr - J x - to 4- g m - 

Preparation. 

Extractum Rumicis Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Rumex. By 
maceration and percolation with Diluted Alcohol, and evaporation. 
Dose, ^ to 1 fl. dr. ; 1. to 4. c.c. 

Action and Uses of Rumex. 
Rumex is astringent, slightly tonic and alterative. It has been 
used in syphilis, scorbutic disorders, and cutaneous eruptions.] 



604 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

EUCALYPTI GUMMI. 

EUCALYPTUS GUM.— [B. P., not official] Synonym.— Red Gum. 
A ruby-colored exudation from the bark of Eucalyptus rostrata (nat. ord. 
Myrtacece) and from other species. [Habitat. — ] Australia. 

Characters. — An inspissated secretion forming semi- translucent and 
garnet-colored grains or small masses. Tough and difficult to powder. Ad- 
heres to the teeth when chewed. Taste very astringent. Soluble in water. 
Resembling Eucalyptus Gum. — Kino, which is darker and feebly soluble in 
water. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are— (i) Kinotannic Acid. (2) 
Catechin. (3) Pyrocatechin. 

Dose, 2 to 10 gr. ; [.12 to .60 gm.] in powder, or in an aqueous solu- 
tion or made into a pill with mucilage of Acacia. 

Action and Therapeutics of Red Gum. 
Red gum is, by virtue of its tannic acid, powerfully astrin- 
gent and is used in diarrhoea and dysentery. Lozenges, 1 gr. 
[.06 gm.] in each, with fruit paste, or a decoction of 1 in 40, as 
a gargle, are employed for relaxed throats. This decoction may 
also be given in 2 to 4 [fl.] dr. [8. to 15. c.c] doses for diarrhoea. 
A fluid extract (red gum, 7 ; water, 21 ; alcohol, 1 ;) dose, ^ to 
1 fl. dr. [2. to 4. c.c] is a useful preparation. Injected into the 
nose it stops epistaxis. Mixed with 1 to 10 of water it may be 
injected into the rectum or vagina, or may be used as a mouth 
wash. Suppositories, each containing 5 gr. ; [.30 gm.] of red 
gum, are prepared, and may be employed for piles. 

GOTO. 

COTO BARK. [Not official.]— The bark [of Drimys Winteri, Foster, 
var. granatensis, Eichler. Habitat. — Venezuela. 

Characters. — In irregular pieces, outer surface irregular as well as the 
inner surface ; color cinnamon-brown ; upon fresh cross-section the bark is seen 
to be filled with yellowish spots, except in the outer portions ; odor aromatic, 
especially if bruised ; the powder is very pungent. Resembling Colo Bark. — 
Paracoto Bark, which has a less powerful odor and taste ; and is marked with, 
deep, whitish furrows upon its surface. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Cotoin (see p. 605). (2) A 
volatile oil. (3) A resin in large amount. (4) A volatile alkaloid of a pep- 
pery taste, probably propylamine. (5) Piperonylic Acid, C 8 H 6 4 .] Coto is 
placed here provisionally among the drugs containing Tannic Acid, until its 
composition [can be ascertained.] 

Dose, 1 to 10 gr. ; [.06 to .60 gm.] 



VEGETABLE DEMULCENT SUBSTANCES. 605 

[COTOIN.-C 22 H 18 6 =377.io. 

Characters. — A glucoside occurring as a pale yellow, amorphous powder, 
or in minute, curved, white, fusible prisms. Solubility. — Slightly in water; 
soluble in Alcohol, Ether, and Chloroform. It has a biting taste, and its pow- 
der is irritating to the nostrils. 

Dose, 1 to 2 gr. ; .06 to .12 gm. 

Action and Uses of Coto. 

Coto is not astringent, but because it produces absorption, 
coto bark and cotoin have established a reputation as remedies 
for diarrhoea, whether infantile, in phthisis or in typhoid fever. 
It also checks salivation and night-sweats. A 10 per cent, tincture 
of coto has been recommended by the British Pharmaceutical 
Conference. Dose, 10 m. ; .60 c.c. every 2 hours, with mucil- 
age or syrup to suspend the large amount of resin which it con- 
tains. It should not be combined with Mistura Cretae.] 



GROUP IX. 

Vegetable Demulcent Substances. 

Many of these are nutritive. 

Olive Oil, Soap, [Chondrus,] Glycerin, Oleic Acid, [Althaea,] Almond, 

Tragacanth, Acacia, [Ulmus,] Liquorice, Linseed, [Pearl 

Barley,] Sugar, Malt, Soja Bean, [Cetraria, Raisins.] 

OLEUM OLIViE. 

OLIVE OIL. — ^Synonym. — Sweet Oil. A fixed oil expressed from the 
ripe fruit of Olea europ<za Linne (nat. ord. Oleacece). Habitat. — Asia and 
Southern Europe ; cultivated. 

Characters. — A pale yellow, or light greenish-yellow, oily liquid, having 
a slight, peculiar odor, and a nutty, oleaginous taste, with a faintly acrid after- 
taste. Sp. gr., 0.915 to 0.918. Solubility. — Very sparingly soluble in Alco- 
hol, but readily soluble in Ether, Chloroform, or Carbon Bisulphide.] 

Composition. — The [three] constituents are — (1) Olein, 72 per cent., a 
fluid oil, a compound of Oleic Acid and Glyceryl, thus : C 3 H 5 (C 18 H 33 2 ) 3 . 
(2) Palmitin, 28 per cent., a solid oil, a compound of Palmitic Acid, and 
Glyceryl, C 3 H 5 (C 16 H 31 2 V The formula for Oleic Acid is HC 18 H 33 2 ; and 
for Palmitic, HC ]6 H 31 2 . [(3) Arachin, C 20 H 40 O 2 . 

Impurities. — Cotton seed and other oils, especially Sesame. 

Dose, freely.] 



606 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Olive Oil is contained in [Emplastrum Plumbi, Emplastrum Ferri, Em- 
plastrum Picis Burgundicse, Ceratum Cetacei, Unguentum Diachylon, and 
Unguentum Veratrinae. ] 

Action and Therapeutics of Olive Oil. 

External. — Olive oil is used to facilitate the rubbing of 
parts ; for this purpose it is employed in massage. It is a com- 
mon soothing protective to burns [being used in place of linseed 
oil in Linimentum Calcis {see p. 157)], and may be mixed with 
poultices to prevent their [adhering] to the skin. If rubbed in 
vigorously, it can be absorbed through the epidermis, and might 
be thus used as a food when nourishment cannot be given by the 
mouth. 

Internal. — For its soothing protective qualities it may be 
swallowed after corrosive poisons have been taken. It is an excel- 
lent mild laxative, and can be given with food for this purpose. 
Some persons like it ; with others it excites nausea and vomiting. 
An olive oil enema (olive oil, 15 ; with or without warm mucil- 
age of starch, 18) ; [or a soap enema (soap, 1 ; warm water, 
32)], is often used to open the bowels when a mild non-irritat- 
ing injection is required. A gall stone placed in pure olive oil 
at the temperature of the body is slowly dissolved, because cho- 
lesterin, which is the chief constituent of gall stones, is soluble 
in olive oil. It is also soluble in oleic acid and in animal soaps. 
Many patients suffering from gall stones derive much benefit from 
taking olive oil. This is chiefly because the oil or some of its 
constituents are excreted by the bile, and to a much less extent 
because the intestinal peristalsis set up by the olive oil extends 
to the bile ducts. From 2 to 8 fl. oz. [60. to 240. c.c] should 
be taken daily. It may be mashed with fish or potato. Some 
[patients] take it better if a [small quantity] of menthol and a 
drachm [4. c.c] of brandy are added to each half pint [240. c.c] 
of oil. Eunatrol, or pure sodium oleate, which is given a special 
name to distinguish it from the ordinary impure forms, has been 
successfully used in cases of gall stones. Thirty to forty grains 
[2.00 to 2.40 gm.] may be given daily. It is best prescribed 
as 5 gr. [.30 gm.] pills. 



VEGETABLE DEMULCENT SUBSTANCES. 6oj 

Olive oil is a food, but it is not often used in this country as 

such. The history of fats and oils in the body is discussed in 

works on physiology. 

SAPO. 

SOAP. — Sodium Oleate, NaC 18 H 33 2 . [Synonyms. — White Castile 
Soap, Hard Soap. 

Source. — Soap is prepared from Soda and Olive Oil. C 3 H 5 (C 18 H 33 2 ) 3 -j- 
3NaOH=2NaC 18 H 33 2 (Hard Soap)+C 3 H 5 (OH) 3 (Glycerin). 

Characters. — A white or whitish solid, hard, yet easily cut when fresh, 
having a faint, peculiar odor free from rancidity, a disagreeable, alkaline taste, 
and an alkaline reaction. Solubility. — Soluble in water and in Alcohol, more 
readily with the aid of heat. 

Soap is contained in Pilulae Aloes, Pilulse Aloes et Asafcetidce, Piluloe 
Asafcetidce, Piluke Opii, and Pilulce Rhei.] 

Preparations. 

[i. Emplastrum Saponis. — Soap Plaster. Soap, ioo ; Lead 
Plaster, 900 ; by solution in Water and evaporation. 

2. Linimentum Saponis. — Soap Liniment. Synonym. — Opo- 
deldoc. Soap, 70; Camphor, 45; Oil of Rosemary, 10 ; Alcohol, 
750 ; Water to 1 000. 

Soap Liniment is contained in Linimentum Chloroformi. ] 

SAPO MOLLIS. 

SOFT SOAP. — Potassium Oleate. [Synonyms. — Sapo Viridis. Green 
Soap. A soap prepared from Potassa and fixed oils, generally from Olive 
Oil. 

Source. — By heating Linseed Oil, 400; adding to this Potassa, 90; dis- 
solved in Water, 450 ; and Alcohol, 40 ; until the mixture is soluble in boiling 
Water without the separation of oily drops. 

Characters. — A soft, unctuous mass, of a yellowish-brown or brownish- 
yellow color. Solubility. — In about 5 parts of hot Water to a nearly clear 
liquid ; also in 2 parts of hot Alcohol, without leaving more than 3 per cent, 
of insoluble residue. 

Preparation. 

Linimentum Saponis Mollis. — Liniment of Soft Soap. Syn- 
onym. — Tinctura Saponis Viridis. Soft Soap, 650 ; Oil of Lavender 
Flowers, 20; Alcohol, 300; Water to 1000. By filtration.] 

Uses of Soap. 

Hard soap may be used for medicated soaps. The prescriber 
should state the percentage of the drug, e.g., ichthyol, tar, 



608 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

sulphur, he wishes the soap to contain. The dispenser planes 
the soap into thin shavings, dries them at ioo° F. [37. 8° C], 
powders them in a mortar, then thoroughly mixes and beats up 
the soap powder, the drugs, and one part of alcohol (60 per cent. ) 
to 8 parts of soap powder. The whole is put into a soap press 
and stamped. [Soaps are used for cleansing. The plaster is 
protective against bed-sores. The liniment is used as a cutane- 
ous stimulant. That of soft soap is employed for psoriasis, lichen 
and eczema.] Hard soap forms a basis for many pills. Either 
soap is frequently made into a lather with about a pint [500. 
c.c] of water at ioo° F. [37. 8° C] and used as a purgative 
enema. Soft soap is much preferred; about 1 fl. oz. [30. c.c] 
is commonly used. All enemata, but perhaps especially those 
made with hard soap, may produce an erythematous rash, prob- 
ably due to the solution and consequent absorption of some 

faecal toxin. 

[CHONDRUS. 

CHONDRUS. — Synonyms. — Irish Moss. Carragheen. The entire 
plant of Chondrus crispus Stackhouse, and Gigartina mamillosa J. Agardh 
(class Algce). Habitat. — Atlantic Ocean. 

Characters. — Yellowish or white, horny, translucent; many-times 
forked ; when softened in water, cartilaginous ; shape of the segments varying 
from wedge-shape to linear ; at the apex emarginate or two-lobed. It has a 
slight sea-weed odor, and mucilaginous, somewhat saline taste. 

Composition. — (1) Mucilaginous Compounds, 90 per cent. (2) Albu- 
minoids. (3) Chlorides, sulphates and phosphates, with traces of bromides 
and iodides. 

Dose, 2 to 4 dr. ; 8. to 15. gm. 

Action and Uses of Irish Moss. 

Irish Moss is not only a demulcent, but as well, when made 
into a jelly, is a useful article of diet. It is also used in making 
preparations of bone marrow.] 

GLYCERINUM. 

GLYCERIN.— [C 3 H 5 (OH) 3 =9i. 79. A triatomic alcohol. Synonym. — 
Glycerol. 

Source. — A liquid obtained by the decomposition of vegetable or animal 
fats or fixed oils {see pp. 13 and 605), and containing not less than 95 per 
cent, of absolute Glycerin. 



VEGETABLE DEMULCENT SUBSTANCES. 609 

Characters. — A clear, colorless liquid, of a thick, syrupy consistence, 
oily to the touch, odorless, very sweet and slightly warm to the taste. When 
exposed to the air, it slowly abstracts moisture. Sp. gr., not less than 1.250. 
Solubility. — In all proportions, in Water or Alcohol ; also soluble in a mixture 
of 3 parts of Alcohol and I part of Ether, but insoluble in Ether, Chloroform, 
Carbon Disulphide, Benzin, Benzol, and fixed or volatile oils. 

Glycerin is contained in Elixir Phosphori, Liquor Ferri et Ammonii Ace- 
tatis, Mucilago Tragacanthas, Massa Hydrargyri, Pilulce Phosphori, in the 
Glycerita and in many Extracta, Extracta Fluida, Syrupi and Tincturse. ] 

Dose, 5 to 60 m, ; [.30 to 4.00 c.c] 

Preparations. 

1. [Glyceritum Amyli. — Glycerite of Starch. Starch, 10; Water, 
10 ; Glycerin, 80. 

Dose, freely. 

2. Glyceritum Vitelli. — Glycerite of Yolk of Egg. Synonym. — 
Glyconin. Fresh Yolk of Egg, 45 ; Glycerin, 55. 

Dose, freely. 

3. Glyceritum Acidi Carbolici. — See Carbolic Acid, p. 329. 

4. Glyceritum Acidi Tannici. — See Tannic Acid, p. 593. 

5. Glyceritum Boroglycerini. — See Boric Acid, p. 273. 

6. Glyceritum Hydrastis. — See Hydrastis, p. 640. 

7. Suppositoria Glycerini. — Suppositories of Glycerin. Glycerin, 
60 ; Sodium Carbonate, 3 ; Stearic Acid, 5 gm. By solution with heat, 
pouring into ten moulds, and wrapping in tin-foil, when cold. Each 
suppository contains 90 gr. ; 6. gm. of Glycerin. 

Dose, as required.] 

Action of Glycerin. 

External. — As glycerin is an excellent solvent for numerous 
[substances], such as iodine, bromine, alkalies, tannic acid, 
many neutral salts, alkaloids, salicin, etc., it is a good vehicle 
for applying these substances to the skin and to sores. It does 
not evaporate nor turn rancid, and is powerfully hygroscopic. 

Internal. — In man the only visible effect produced by its 
administration is purging. This occurs with quite small doses 
if it is given by the rectum, but large doses are necessary if given 

39 



6 10 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

by the mouth. It is absorbed from the alimentary canal, and is 
to a slight extent a food, for some of it is oxidized in the body. 
Sometimes its administration leads to the appearance in the urine 
of a body which reduces cupric oxide and gives the fermentation 
test for sugar. There has been much dispute as to whether 
glycerin can control nitrogenous metabolism, but it appears that 
it cannot in any way save the waste of nitrogenous tissues. It 
probably has some influence on the amount of glycogen in the 
liver. It has also been thought to prevent artificial glycosuria, 
but this is doubtful. 

Very large doses in animals cause the urine to be dark from 
the presence of the coloring matter of the blood, although there 
are no corpuscles in it j they also lead to loss of muscular 
strength, lethargy, dryness of mucous membranes, collapse and 
death. 

Therapeutics of Glycerin. 

External. — Glycerin is much employed as a basis for appli- 
cations to the skin and the eye. It is commonly used for chapped 
hands and slight excoriations. It is readily absorbed when 
rubbed into the skin, therefore it is a convenient vehicle for the 
absorption of substances by the skin. Belladonna mixed with 
glycerin is often rubbed in when we desire its local anodyne 
action (see p. 379-) [Glycerin as well as boroglycerin (see p. 
273) is used extensively in various local applications in the treat- 
ment of diseases of women]. 

Internal. — As glycerin is sweet, it is an excellent flavoring 
agent. It is demulcent, and is used as a vehicle for applying 
substances, such as tannic acid, to the throat. It is rarely given 
by the mouth for any medicinal virtue. It has been administered 
for dyspepsia, for diabetes, and as a nutritive agent, but in each 
case without any good result. One to two fl. dr. [4. to 8. c.c] 
injected [into] the rectum, or a glycerin suppository, form an 
excellent means of opening the bowels in simple constipation, 
especially when the faeces are in the sigmoid flexure and rectum. 
The result is prompt, often occurring within less than half an 
hour. No pain nor constitutional disturbance is produced. 



VEGETABLE DEMULCENT SUBSTANCES. 6 1 



ACIDUM OLEICUM. 

OLEIC ACID.— HC 18 H 33 2 [=28i.38. 

SOURCE. — An organic acid, prepared in a sufficiently pure condition by 
cooling commercial Oleic Acid to about 41 ° F. ; 5 C, then separating and 
preserving the liquid portion.] In case [that it is obtained from] Olive 
Oil the reaction is C,H 6 (C 18 H M 2 ),+3H 2 0=3HC 18 H M 2 +C 8 H B (OH 8 ) 
(Glycerin). 

Characters. — [A yellowish or brownish-yellow, oily liquid, having a 
peculiar, lard-like odor and taste ; becoming darker and absorbing Oxygen on 
exposure to air. It becomes semi-solid at 40 F. ; 4.4 C. Sp. gr. , about 
0.900. Solubility. — Insoluble in water; soluble in Alcohol, Chloroform, 
Benzol, Benzin, Oil of Turpentine, and fixed and volatile oils.] 

Impurities. — It is rarely pure, usually containing Stearic and Palmitic 
Acids. 

[Oleic Acid is used to prepare Oleatum Hydrargyri, Oleatum Veratrinse, 
and Oleatum Zinci. There is some doubt whether the pharmacopoeial oleates 
are chemical combinations or simple solutions.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Oleic Acid. 

Oleic acid is used as a solvent for remedies which it is desired 
to apply by means of cutaneous inunction, for it more readily 
penetrates the skin than fats and oils. [Oleates are made from 
the alkaloids, not from their salts. If metals are employed, the 
oxides only are chosen.] Copper oleate is also used for ring- 
worm and indolent sores. 

ALTH^A. 

[ALTHAEA. — Synonym. — Marshmallow. The root of Althcea officinalis 
Linne (nat. ord. Malvacece). Habitat. — Europe, Western and Northern Asia ; 
naturalized in the Eastern United States and in Australia, in salt marshes ; 
culivated in Europe. 

Characters. — In cylindrical or somewhat conical pieces, from 10 to 15 
cm. long, 10 to 15 mm. in diameter, deeply wrinkled ; deprived of the brown, 
corky layer and small roots ; externally white, marked with a number of 
circular spots, and of a somewhat hairy appearance from the loosened bast- 
fibres; internally whitish and fleshy. It breaks with a short granular and 
mealy fracture, has a faint, aromatic odor, and a sweetish, mucilaginous taste. 

Resembling Althcea. — Young and peeled Belladonna roots, but these have 
no hair-like bast-fibres upon the surface. 

Composition. — (1) Asparagin, 1 per cent. (2) Bassorin, a mucilage, 
35 per cent. (3) Sugar, 8 per cent. (4) Pectin, 10 per cent. 



6l2 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Preparation. 
Syrupus Althsese. — Syrup of Althaea. Althaea, 50 ; Alcohol, 30 ; 
Glycerin, 100 ; Sugar, 700 ; Water to 1 000. 
Dose, freely. 

Action and Uses of Marshmallow. 
Marshmallow is used as a demulcent, for irritation and inflam- 
mation of mucous membranes.] 

AMYGDALA. 

AMYGDALA AMARA. — Bitter Almond. The seed of Prunus 
Amygdalus, var. amara [De Candolle (nat. ord. Rosacea:). Habitat. — Western 
Asia ; naturalized in the Mediterranean basin ; cultivated. 

Characters. — About 25 mm. long, oblong-lanceolate, fiattish, covered 
with a cinnamon-brown, scurfy testa, marked by about sixteen lines emanating 
from a broad scar at the blunt end. The embryo has the shape of the seed, is 
white, oily, consists of two plano-convex cotyledons, and a short radicle at the 
pointed end, and has a bitter taste. When triturated with water, Bitter 
Almond yields a milk-white emulsion, which emits an odor of Hydrocyanic 
Acid.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Oleum Amygdala \_Ex- 
pressum (see p. 613), 45 per cent., the same fixed oil as in the sweet variety.] 
(2) Emulsin. (3) Amygdalin, [C 20 H 27 NO n , a crystalline glucoside, having 
a sweetish bitter taste,] which yields Oleum Amygdala Amara. [It is very 
important to distinguish it from the Oleum Amygdala Expressum, which is 
harmless. The oil of bitter almond is usually very poisonous from admixture 
of Hydrocyanic Acid ; for if moisture has had access to the glucoside Amyg- 
dalin, on which in the presence of water, the emulsin in the almond acts as a 
ferment, the volatile oil of bitter almond (benzaldehyde), glucose and Hydrocy- 
anic Acid are formed.] C 20 H 27 NO n -f-2H 2 O=[C 2 H 6 O] (the volatile oil) -+- 
HCN-f-2C 6 H 12 6 . The oil when separated from the [Hydrocyanic] Acid is 
not poisonous, and is used to flavor sweets. An artificial oil of bitter almond 
called Nitrobenzol is often substituted, and has caused death. 

Bitter Almond is contained in Syrupus Amygdalae. 

[OLEUM AMYGDALA AMAR^.- Oil of Bitter Almond. 

Source. — A volatile oil obtained from Bitter Almond by maceration with 
water, and subsequent distillation. 

Characters. — A clear, colorless or yellowish, thin, and strongly refrac- 
tive liquid, having a peculiar, aromatic odor, and a bitter and burning taste. 
Sp. gr. , I.060 to I.070. Boiling point, about 356 F. ; 180 C. Optically 
inactive. Solubility. — In 300 parts of water, and in Alcohol or Ether in all 
proportions ; also soluble in Nitric Acid at ordinary temperatures without the 
evolution of nitrous vapors. 

Dose, A to V z m. ; .01 to .03 c.c. 



VEGETABLE DEMULCENT SUBSTANCES. 613 

Preparations. 

1. Aqua Amygdalae Amaras. — Bitter Almond Water. Oil of 
Bitter Almond, I ; Distilled Water, 999. By solution and filtration. 

Dose, 2 to 4 fl. dr. ; 8. to 15. c.c. 

2. Spiritus Amygdalae Amarae. — Spirit of Bitter Almond. 
Synonym. — Essence of Bitter Almond. Oil of Bitter Almond, 10 ; 
Alcohol, 800 ; Distilled Water, to 1000. 

Dose, 15 to 45 m. ; 1. to 3. c.c] 

AMYGDALA DULCIS.— Sweet Almond. Synonym. —Jordan Al- 
mond. [The seed of Primus Amygdalus, var. dulcis De Candolle (nat. ord. 
/iosacecc.) Habitat. — Western Asia ; naturalized in the Mediterranean basin ; 
cultivated. 

Characters. — Closely resembling the bitter almond {see Amygdala 
Amara), but having a bland, sweetish taste, free from rancidity. When tri- 
turated with water, it yields a milk-white emulsion, free from the odor of 
Hydrocyanic Acid.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Oleum Amygdala Ex- 
pressum {see below), 56 per cent., a fixed oil. (2) Emulsin, and other albu- 
minous bodies. 

Impurity. — The bitter almond, giving an odor of [Hydrocyanic] Acid 
when rubbed with water. 

Preparations. 

[1. Emulsum Amygdalae. — Emulsion of Almond. Synonyms. 
— Mistura Amygdalae. Milk of Almond. Sweet Almond, 60 ; Acacia, 
10 ; Sugar, 30; Distilled Water, 1000. 

Dose, indeterminate. 

2. Syrupus Amygdalae. — Syrup of Almond. Sweet Almond, 
140; Bitter Almond, 40; Sugar, 200; Orange Flower Water, 100; 
Water, 130 ; Syrup to 1 000. 

Dose, indeterminate.] 

OLEUM AMYGDALA [EXPRESSUM.— Expressed Oil of Al- 
mond. 

Source. — A fixed oil expressed from Bitter or Sweet Almond. 

Characters. — A clear, pale straw-colored or colorless, oily liquid, 
almost inodorous, and having a mild, nutty taste. Sp. gr. , 0.915 to 0.920. 
Solubility. — Only slightly soluble in Alcohol ; soluble in Ether and in Chloro- 
form in all proportions. 

Expressed Oil of Almond is contained in Emulsum Chloroformi and 
Unguentum Aquae Rosae. 

Dose, 1 to 4 fl. dr. ; 4. to 15. c.c] 



6 14 organic materia medica. 

Action and Therapeutics of Almond. 
The sweet almond is demulcent. Its most important medi- 
cinal use is that it is made into flour to replace starchy food in 
cases of diabetes. Biscuits are made of the flour. These are 
very palatable, are a good nutritive food, and contain very little 
starch. The only objection to them is their price. With a little 
care they can be made at home. The flour of other nuts, as 
Brazil nuts, has been used, but it is not nearly so palatable. The 
almond [emulsion] is a very pleasant vehicle for the suspension of 
insoluble substances, and its powder [B. P., sweet almond, 8; 
sugar, 4 ; acacia, i] is a palatable basis for powders. The [ex- 
pressed] oil of almond might be used for the same purposes as 
olive oil. It is pleasanter, but very expensive. 

TRAGACANTHA. 

TRAGACANTH. — A gummy exudation from [Astragalus gummifer 
Labillardiere, and from other species of Astragalus (nat. ord. Leguminosce) . 
Habitat. — Western Asia. 

Characters. — In narrow or broad bands, more or less curved or con- 
torted, marked by parallel lines, or ridges, white or faintly yellowish, translu- 
cent, horn-like, tough, and rendered more easily pulverizable by a heat of 
122° F. ; 50 C. Very sparingly soluble in cold water, but swells into a gela- 
tinous mass, which is tinged violet (not so deep as the color given by starch 
by tincture of iodine.] Resembling Tragacanth. — Squill, which is thicker 
and opaque. 

Impurities. — Other gums. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Bassorin CH 10 O 5 , a gum 
2)1) per cent., only slightly soluble in water, unfermen table. (2) Arabin, 53 
per cent., which resembles, but is not identical with the Arabin of Acacia. 
Precipitated by lead acetate. (3) A little starch. 

[Tragacanth is contained in several Trochisci.] 

Preparation. 

Mucilago Tragacanthae. — [Mucilage of Tragacanth. Tragacanth, 
6; Glycerin, 18 ; Water to 100. By heating, maceration and straining. 
Dose, indeterminate.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Tragacanth. 

Tragacanth is a demulcent, and as such may be soothing when 
applied to a sore throat. Its chief use is to suspend insoluble 



VEGETABLE DEMULCENT SUBSTANCES. 615 

bodies, as resins, oils, and insoluble powders. The mucilage is 
better for this purpose than the compound powder [(B. P., not 
official), tragacanth, 1; acacia, 1; starch, 1; sugar, 3;], which, 
because of its starch, is liable to ferment. 

ACACIA. 

[ACACIA. — Synonym. — Gum Arabic. A gummy exudation from Acacia 
Senegal Willdenow (nat. ord. Leguminosce). Habitat. — Eastern Africa, 
principally Kordofan; Western Africa, near the river Senegal. 

Characters. — In roundish tears of various sizes, or broken into angular 
fragments, with a glass-like, sometimes iridescent fracture, opaque from 
numerous fissures, but transparent and nearly colorless in thin pieces ; nearly 
inodorous ; taste insipid, mucilaginous ; insoluble in Alcohol, but soluble in 
water, forming a thick, mucilaginous liquid. Solubility. — Slowly but com- 
pletely soluble in 2 parts of water ; insoluble in Alcohol.] 

Composition. — The chief constituent is Arabin, C 12 H 22 11 ; combined 
with Calcium, Magnesium and Potassium. This is not affected by lead acetate. 

Impurities. — Starch, and gum resins. 

Incompatibles. — Alcohol, sulphuric acid, borax, ferric salts and lead 
subacetate. 

[Acacia is contained in Emulsum Amygdalae, Pulvis Cretae Compositus, 
and in some Trochisci. ] 

Preparations. 

1. Mucilago Acaciae. — [Mucilage of Acacia. Acacia, 340; 
Water, to 1000. 

Mucilage of Acacia is contained in Mistura Glycyrrhizae Composita 
and Syrupus Acaciae. 
Dose, freely. 

2. Syrupus Acaciae. — Syrup of Acacia. Mucilage of Acacia, 25 ; 
Syrup, 75. 

Dose, freely.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Acacia. 

Acacia is demulcent. It is used to suspend insoluble sub- 
stances, as oils, resins, and insoluble powders. A fluid ounce 
[30. c.c.]of most oils or resinous tinctures requires 3 fl. dr. [12. 
c.c] of mucilage of acacia for suspension, but copaiba requires 
10 fl. dr. [40. c.c.]. A disadvantage of it is that it is liable to 
undergo acetous fermentation, which greatly diminishes its emul- 
sifying powers. This may be overcome, to some extent, by 



6l6 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

making it with tolu or clove water. It may give rise to indi- 
gestion and diarrhoea. 

ULMUS. 

[ELM. — Synony?n. — Slippery Elm Bark. The inner bark of Ulmns 
fulva Michaux (nat. ord. Urticacecc). Habitat. — North America, west to 
Louisiana and Nebraska, in woods. 

Characters. — In flat pieces, varying in length and width, about 3 mm. 
thick, tough, pale brownish white, the inner surface finely ridged ; fracture 
fibrous and mealy ; the transverse section delicately checkered ; odor slight, 
peculiar ; taste mucilaginous, insipid. 

Composition. — It contains — (1) Mucilage. (2) Some Tannic Acid. 

Dose, 2 dr. ; 8. gm., or more. 

Preparation. 

Mucilago Ulmi. — Mucilage of Elm. Elm, 6 ; Boiling Water, 
100. By digestion and straining. 
Dose, freely. 

Action and Uses of Slippery Elm Bark. 

Slippery Elm bark is an excellent demulcent. It is especially 
recommended in dysentery, diarrhoea and diseases of the urinary 
passages. It is often employed to make poultices, especially for 
use upon children, because it is lighter than flaxseed.] 

GLYCYRRHIZA. 

GL,Y CYRRHl Z A. —[Synonym.— Liquorice Root. The root of Gfy- 
cyrrhiza glabra Linne, and of the variety glandidifera (Waldstein et Kittai- 
bel) Reger et Herder (nat. ord. Leguminosce). Habitat. — Southern Europe 
and Western Asia ; cultivated. 

Characters. — In long, cylindrical pieces, from 5 to 25 mm. thick, 
longitudinally wrinkled, externally grayish-brown, warty ; internally tawny- 
yellow ; pliable, tough ; fracture coarsely fibrous ; bark rather thick ; wood 
porous, but dense, in narrow wedges ; medullary rays linear ; taste sweet, 
somewhat acrid. The underground stem, which is often present, has the same 
appearance, but contains a thin pith. The drug derived from the variety 
glandidifera (so-called Russian Liquorice), consists usually of roots or root- 
branches, I to 4 cm. thick, 15 to 30 cm. long, frequently deprived of the corky 
layer, the wood rather soft, and usually more or less cleft.] Resembling 
Liquorice. — Pyrethrum and Taraxacum, which are not sweet. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Glycyrrhizin [C 24 H 36 
9 , about 6 per cent. ] , a yellow amorphous glucoside, probably in combina- 
tion with Ammonia. With acids this yields a very bitter substance, Glycyrrhe- 



VEGETABLE DEMULCENT SUBSTANCES. 6lJ 

tin, and glucose. (2) Asparagin, [about 3 per cent. (3) Glycyramin. (4) 
An acrid Resin.] (5) Starch. 

\_Glycyrrhiza is used in Decoctum Sarsaparilke Compositum, Extractum 
Sarsapanllce Fluidum Compositum, Massa Hydrargyri, Pilulae Ferri Iodidi, 
Pulvis Morphinee Compositus, Tinctura Aloes, and Tinctura Aloes et Myrrhse.] 

Liquorice or its preparations are contained in many preparations, gener- 
ally to cover their nauseous taste. They [conceal] very well that of Aloes 
[Rhamnus Purshiana], Ammonium Chloride, Hyoscyamus, Senega, Senna, 
Turpentine, and very bitter substances, as Quinine Sulphate. 

Preparations. 

1. Extractum Glycyrrhizae. — [Extract of Glycyrrhiza. Syno- 
nym. — Extract of Liquorice. 

Characters. — In flattened, cylindrical rolls, from 15 to 18 cm. 
long, and from 15 to 30 mm. thick; of a glossy, black color. It 
breaks with a sharp, conchoidal, shining fracture, and has a very sweet 
peculiar taste. Not less than 60 per cent, of it should be soluble in 
cold water. 

Extract of Glycyrrhiza is contained in Trochisci Ammonii Chloridi 
and Trochisci Glycyrrhizae et Opii. 

Dose, freely. 

2. Extractum Glycyrrhizae Purum.— Pure Extract of Gly- 
cyrrhiza. By maceration and percolation with Water of Ammonia and 
Distilled Water, and evaporation. 

Pure Extract of Glycyrrhiza is used to make Mistura Glycyrrhizce 
Composita. 

Dose, freely. 

3. Extractum Glycyrrhizae Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Gly- 
cyrrhiza. By maceration and percolation with Water of Ammonia, 
Alcohol and water, and evaporation. 

Dose, freely. 

4. Glycyrrhizinum Ammoniatum. — Ammoniated Glycyrrhizin. 
Source. — Glycyrrhiza, by maceration and percolation with Water 

of Ammonia and Water ; precipitation with Sulphuric Acid, solution 
with Water of Ammonia, and drying. 

Characters. — Dark -brown or brownish -red scales, without odor, 
and having a very sweet taste. Solubility. — Readily in Water and in 
Alcohol. 

Dose, 5 to 15 gr. ; .30 to 1.00 gm.] 

5. Pulvis Glycyrrhizae Compositus. — See Senna, p. 493. 

6. [Mistura Glycyrrhizae Composita. — Compound Mixture of 
Glycyrrhiza. Synonym. — Brown Mixture. Pure Extract of Glycyr- 



6l8 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

rhiza, 30 ; Sugar, 50 • Mucilage of Acacia, 100 ; Camphorated Tincture 
of Opium, 120 ; Wine of Antimony, 60; Spirit of Nitrous Ether, 30; 
Water, to 1 000. 

Dose, 1 to 4 fi. dr. ; 4. to 15. c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Liquorice. 

Liquorice is an excellent demulcent for sore throats. It is 
used to [conceal] the taste of [disagreeable] medicines, and as a 
basis for pills. The compound liquorice powder is laxative by- 
virtue of its senna [although liquorice itself has distinct laxative 
properties. Brown Mixture is much used in dispensary practice 
as an expectorant.] 

LINUM. 

[LINSEED. — Synonym. — Flaxseed. The seed of Linu?n usitatissimum 
Linne (nat. ord. Line<x). Habitat. — Levant and Southern Europe ; cultivated 
and spontaneous in most temperate countries. 

Characters. — About 4 or 5 mm. long, oblong-ovate, flattened, obliquely 
pointed at one end, brown, glossy, covered with a transparent, mucilaginous 
epithelium, which swells considerably in water ; the embryo whitish or pale 
greenish, with two large, oily, plano-convex cotyledons, and a thin perisperm ; 
inodorous ; taste mucilaginous, oily and bitter. 

Composition. — (1) A viscid, fixed oil, 30 to 35 per cent, in the embryo. 
(2) Mucilage, 15 per cent, in the epithelium. (3) Proteids, 25 per cent. (4) 
Amygdalw, a minute quantity.] 

OLEUM LINL— [Linseed Oil. Synonym.— Oil of Flaxseed. A fixed 
oil expressed from Linseed without the use of heat. 

Characters. — A yellowish or yellow, oily liquid, having a slight, pecu- 
liar odor, and a bland taste. When exposed to the air it gradually thickens, 
and acquires a strong odor and taste. Sp. gr., 0.930 to 0.940. Solubility. — 
In about 10 parts of Alcohol, and in all proportions in Ether, Chloroform, 
Benzin, Carbon Disulphide, or Oil of Turpentine. 

Composition. — Its most characteristic principles are — (1) Linolein. (2) 
Myristin. (3) Palmitin. (4) Albumin, a large percentage, to which its 
drying properties are due. ) 

Dose, Yi to 2 fi. oz. ; 15. to 60. ex.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Flaxseed. 

A flaxseed poultice [4 to 10 of boiling water with constant 
stirring and the basin being kept hot] is a very common means 
of applying warmth and moisture to a part. It is used to relieve 



VEGETABLE DEMULCENT SUBSTANCES. 619 

pain, and as a mild irritant to accelerate inflammation and the 
bursting of an abscess, or as a counter-irritant in all sorts of deep- 
seated inflammations. The poultices should not be too thick, 
and should be smeared with oil to prevent their sticking to the 
skin. The vascular dilatation caused by the flaxseed poultice 
may be increased by adding 1 part of mustard to 16 of flaxseed. 
[Oil of flaxseed] is applied to burns. Mixed with an equal 
quantity of solution of lime it forms Carron Oil (see p. 157.) 
[Flaxseed tea flaxseed, 3; liquorice, 1; boiling water, 100; 
infuse for two hours] is a common domestic demulcent ; the 
large quantity of mucilage it contains forms a coating for the 
pharynx and mouth, and thus relieves cough due to sore throat. 
It is said to be slightly diuretic. 

SACCHARUM. 

[SUGAR. — C 12 H 22 O u =34i.2. Synonyms. — Cane Sugar. Sucrose. The 
refined Sugar obtained from Saccharum ojficinarum Linne, and from various 
species or varieties of Sorghum (nat. ord. Graminec?) ; also from one or more 
varieties of Beta vulgaris Linne (nat. ord. Chenopodiacece). Habitat. — 
Southern Asia ; cultivated in tropical and subtropical countries. 

Characters. — White, dry, hard, distinctly crystalline granules, odorless, 
and having a purely sweet taste. Permanent in the air. Solubility. — In 0.5 
part of water, and in 175 parts of Alcohol ; but insoluble in Ether, Chloro- 
form, or Carbon Disulphide. 

Dose, indefinite. 

Preparation. 

Syrupus. — Syrup. Sugar, 850 ; Distilled Water, by solution with 
heat, and straining to 1000. 

Syrup thus prepared has the Sp. gr., 1. 317. It is used for com- 
pound syrups. 

Dose, indefinite.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Sugar. 

Sugar is used as a sweetening agent. [Syrup is used as a 
vehicle.] Syrupus Glucosi [(B. P., not official.) Syrup, 2; 
liquid glucose of commerce, 1;] is used in pharmacy, especially 
in the making of pills, as it forms a neutral basis. 



620 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

[HORDEUM DECORTICATUM. 

PEARL BARLEY. (Not official.)— The dried seed of Hordeum dis- 
tichum (nat. ord. Graminacecc) divested of its integuments. Habitat. — > 
Britain. 

Characters. — White, rounded, with a light longitudinal furrow. 

Action and Therapeutics of Pearl Barley. 
Barley water (i to 15 of boiling water) forms a pleasant de- 
mulcent drink, especially if the throat be dry and sore. It is 
also given for the diarrhoeas of infants.] 

MALTUM. 

MALT. (Not official.) Synonym. — Byne. The seed of common 
barley, Hordeum distic hum (nat. ord. Graminacece), caused to enter the in- 
cipient state of germination by artificial means, and dried. It contains the 
ferment Diastase, which can convert starch into Dextrin and Maltose. Thus 
io(C 6 H 10 O 5 )+4H 2 O=4C 12 H 22 O n , Maltose +(C 12 H 20 O 10 ), Dextrin. 

EXTRACTUM MALTI.— [(Not official).— Extract of Malt. By 
maceration, dilution with Water, straining and evaporation in vacuo of the 
strained liquid.] 

Characters. — It is a sweet, thick, brownish liquid, like honey, forming 
an emulsion with oils. [Most specimens are too viscid for prolonged use.] 

Composition. — This varies very much. The chief constituent is Maltose 
(C 12 H 22 O n ); there is also some Dextrin (C 12 H 20 O 10 ), some Diastase (unless 
destroyed by boiling), Albumin, [Inorganic] salts [contained in] barley, and 
sometimes Alcohol. 

[Dose, 1 to 4 fi. dr. ; 4. to 15. c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Malt. 
Maltose is a very valuable food, especially for persons who 
are suffering from wasting diseases, and have a feeble digestion. 
It is easily retained by the stomach, even when, as often is the 
case in phthisis, other food, especially cod-liver oil, is rejected. 
In such a case a malt extract is an excellent substitute for cod 
liver oil. Maltose as a food leads to the formation of fat. The 
diastase contained in the malt extract, acting upon the starch in 
farinaceous food, converts it into dextrin and maltose, and thus, 
if the secretion of saliva and pancreatic juice is feeble, the malt 
extract to some extent supplies their place. Like the ferments 
in pancreatic juice and saliva, diastase can only act in an 



VEGETABLE DEMULCENT SUBSTANCES. 621 

alkaline medium, and therefore should not be given until, at 
least, two hours after a meal. [Inasmuch as diastase is a most 
important constituent, all malts should be rejected which do not 
contain at least 4 per cent, of diastase. The liquid malts con- 
taining alcohol, which destroys this ferment, are worthless for 
assisting starch digestion and are usually only beers of an inferior 
quality. Malt extract, to which a suitable amount of fluid ex- 
tract of rhamus purshiana has been added, is an excellent laxa- 
tive.] Emulsions of cod-liver oil in it are frequently useful. 
Bynol is an example of these. They should contain 1 part of 
oil to 4 of malt. A mixture of extract of malt and iron is also 
valuable (ferric pyrophosphate, 2 ; water, 3 ; dissolve and add 
extract of malt, 95. Dose, 1 to 4 fl. dr. [4. to 15. c.c.]). 

SOJA. 

SOJA BEAN.— (Not official.)— The bean of Sofa hispida. [Habitat. 
— Japan ^'cultivated in Southern Asia. 

Composition. — Soluble Casein, 30; Albumin, 0.5 ; Insoluble Casein, 7 ; 
Fat, 18 ; Cholesterin, 2 ; Water, 10 ; Dextrin, 10 ; Starch, 5 ; Cellulose, 5 ; 
Ash, 5 ; and a powerful amylolytic ferment.] These are powdered and made 
into a flour, from which bread and biscuits are prepared. The flour contains 
but very little starch or sugar, sometimes not more than 2 or 4 per cent. 

Action and Therapeutics of Soja Bean. 

Bread and biscuits made from the flour are used in the treat- 
ment of diabetes as a substitute for gluten bread ; and many 
patients prefer the taste. They are quite as efficacious in reducing 
the amount of sugar passed in the urine. 

[CETRARIA, 

CETRARIA. — Synonym. — Iceland Moss. Ceiraria islandica (Linne) 
Acharius (class Lichenes). Habitat. — Northern Hemisphere. 

Characters. — From 5 to 10 cm. long, foliaceous, irregularly branched 
into fringed and channelled lobes, brownish above, whitish beneath, and 
marked with small, depressed spots ; brittle and inodorous ; when softened in 
water, cartilaginous, and having a slight odor ; its taste is mucilaginous and 
bitter. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Lichenin, C 12 H 20 O 10 , 70 
per cent. (2) Cetraric Acid, C 18 H 16 8 , a bitter principle, 2 per cent. (3) 



622 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Lichenstearic Acid, C 14 H 34 3 , I per cent. (4) Fumaric Acid. (5) Oxalic 
Acid. 

Impurities. — Pine leaves, mosses and other lichens. 

Preparation. 

Decoctum Cetrarise. — Decoction of Cetraria. Cetraria, 50. By 
boiling in water and straining to 1 000. 
Dose, 1 to 4 fl. oz. ; 30. to 120. c.c. 

Action and Therapeutics of Iceland Moss. 

The decoction is demulcent, and may be given in sore throat. 
The moss is a food, and the jelly formed by boiling may, when 
suitably flavored, be taken by diabetics.] 

UVJE. 

[RAISINS. (Not official.) — The ripe fruit of Vilis vinifera (nat. ord. 
Ampelida), the grape-vine, dried in the sun, or partly by artificial heat. Hab- 
itat. — Spain. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (I) Grape Sugar. (2) Acid 
Potassium Tartrate. (3) Other acids and salts. 

Action and Therapeutics of Raisins. 
Raisins are used as sweetening agents, and are demulcent.] 



GROUP X. 



Vegetable Drugs which are used to kill parasites. 

Class I. Anthelmintics for the various species of Tapeworm. 
[Aspidium,] Pomegranate, Kousso, [Kamala, Pepo.] 
Class II. Anthelmintics for the Roundworm (Ascaris lumbricoides). 
Santonica, [Spigelia, Chenopodium.] 
Class III. Parasiticides used for Pediculi. 
Stavesacre, Picrotoxin. 

Class IV. Anthelmintics for the Threadworm {Oxyuris vermicularis). 
[Calumba, Quassia, Oak Bark.] 

These have been described [in Groups VII and VIII, to which reference 
should be made. ] 



VEGETABLE DRUGS USED TO KILL PARASITES. 623 

9 
Class I.— ANTHELMINTICS USED FOR TAPEWORMS. 

ASPIDIUM. 

[ASPIDIUM. — Synonym. — Male Fern. The rhizome of Dryopteris 
Filix-mas Schott, and of Dryopteris marginalis Asa Gray (nat. ord. Filices). 
Habitat. — North America, Northern Asia, Europe. 

Characters. — From 5 to 15 cm. long, 10 to 25 mm. in thickness, and, 
together with the closely imbricated, dark brown, roundish, and slightly curved 
sdpe-remnants, 50 to 75 mm. in diameter ; densely covered with brown, glossy, 
transparent, and soft, chaffy scales ; internally pale green, rather spongy ; vas- 
cular bundles about ten {Dryopteris Filix-mas) or six (Dryopteris marginalis) 
in number, arranged in an interrupted circle ; odor slight, but disagreeable ; 
taste sweetish, acrid, somewhat bitter, astringent, and nauseous.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Filicic acid, [C 35 H 42 13 , 
a white, amorphous or] crystalline body, said to be the active principle. (2) A 
fixed oil, 6 to 7 per cent. (3) [Filicin, C 35 H 40 O 12 , a crystalline substance, 
soluble in Chloroform, Benzol and fixed and volatile oils. (4) Filix-red.] 
(5) Resins. 

Dose, y?, to 1^ dr. ; 2. to 6. gm.] 

Preparation. 
[Oleoresina Aspidii. — Oleoresin of Aspidium. By percolation 
with Ether, distillation of the Ether, and evaporation. 
Dose, % to 1 fl. dr. ; 1. to 4. c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Male Fern. 

[Aspidium] is the most certain anthelmintic we have for the 
common tapeworm (Tcenia solium'), and the Bothriocephalus 
latus. It maybe flavored with ginger or peppermint. The intes- 
tine should first be emptied with a mild purge to ensure the worm 
not being protected by food. Then the [aspidium] should be 
administered, and about twelve hours afterwards another dose of 
the purgative should be given to clear away the dead worm. Very 
little food should be taken during the treatment, and the head 
of the worm should be carefully searched for in the motion. 
[Recently several cases of poisoning have been reported, pre- 
sumably not due to an excessive dose, but to the fact that castor 
oil was administered at the same time with it, notably increas- 
ing the absorption of filicic acid.] 

This remedy also kills the Anchylostoma duodenale outside the 
body, and has been successfully given to persons suffering from 
this parasite. 



624 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

'.• 

GRANATUM. 

[POMEGRANATE. — The bark of the stem and root of Punica 
Granatum Linne (nat. ord. Lythrariece). Habitat. — India and Southwestern 
Asia ; cultivated and naturalized in subtropical countries. 

Characters. — In the quills or fragments, from 5 to 10 cm. long, and 
from 1 to 3 mm. thick ; outer surface yellowish -gray, somewhat warty, or 
longitudinally and reticulately-ridged ; the stem-bark often partly covered with 
blackish lichens ; the thicker pieces of the root-bark more or less scaly exter- 
nally ; inner surface smooth, finely striate, grayish-yellow ; fracture short, 
granular, greenish-yellow ; indistinctly radiate ; inodorous ; taste astringent, 
very slightly bitter.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — [(1) Pelletierine, C 8 H 13 NO, 
% per cent., a colorless, oily, aromatic alkaloid, soluble in water, Alcohol, 
Ether and Chloroform. (2) Three allied alkaloids, Methyl-, Pseudo-, and 
Isopelleiierine. (3) Punicotannic Acid, C 20 H 16 O 13 , 20 per cent.] 

Incompatibles. — Alkalies, lime water, metallic salts, and gelatin. 

Dose, ]/ 2 to \ l / z dr. ; [2. to 6. gm.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Pomegranate. 
Pomegranate is a powerful astringent, and the decoction 
[B. P., 1 to 5 ; dose, x / 2 to 2 fl. oz. ; 15. to 60. c.c] may be 
used as a gargle for a sore throat. In large doses it is emetic and 
purgative. It is an anthelmintic for the tapeworm. It is so 
[disagreeable] that it is rarely used, but if employed the decoc- 
tion may be given every hour for four hours before breakfast. A 
purge should be administered the night before and a few hours 
after breakfast. Pelletierine [dose of tannate, (not official), 3 
to 6 gr. ; .20 to .40 gm.] is the active anthelmintic principle, 
and is said to be very efficient for killing the common tapeworm. 
Large doses of pelletierine given to animals act like curare. 

cusso. 

KOUSSO. — Synonyms. — [Brayera. Kooso. The female inflorescence 
of Hagenia abyssinica (Bruce) Gmelin (nat. ord. Rosacea:}. Habitat. — 
Abyssinia. 

Characters. — In bundles, rolls, or compressed clusters, consisting of 
panicles about 25 cm. long, with a sheathing bract at the base of each branch ; 
the two roundish bracts at the base of each flower, and the four or five obovate, 
outer sepals are of a reddish color, membranous and veiny ; calyx top-shaped, 
hairy, enclosing two carpels or nutlets ; odor slight, fragrant and tea like ; taste 
bitter, acrid, and nauseous.] 



VEGETABLE DRUGS USED TO KILL PARASITES. 62$ 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (i) \_Kosin or] Xoussin, a 
neutral, active principle, [in yellow crystals, tasteless, soluble in Chloroform, 
Benzol, Ether and Alcohol ; insoluble in water. (2) Oil. (3) Gum. (4) 
Tannic Acid. (5) Two Resins. 

Dose, 2 to 4 dr. ; 8. to 15. gm.] 

Preparation. 

[Extractum Cusso Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Kousso. Syn- 
onym. — Extractum Brayerce Fluidum. By maceration and percolation 
with Alcohol, and evaporation. 

Dose, 1 to 4 fl. dr. ; 4. to 15. c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Kousso. 
Kousso is used as an anthelmintic for all species of tapeworm. 
[Koussin (not official) has been given with good results. Dose, 
20 to 40 gr. ; 1.20 to 2.40 gm.] 

KAMALA. 

[KAMALA. — Synonym. — Rottlera. The glands and hairs from the 
capsules of Mallotus philippinensis (Lamarck) Mueller Arg. (nat. ord. 
Euphorbiacece). Habitat. — India, China and Philippine Islands. 

Characters. — A granular, mobile, brick-red or brownish-red powder, 
inodorous and nearly tasteless, imparting a deep red color to alkaline liquids, 
Alcohol, Ether, or Choloroform, and a pale, yellow tinge to boiling water. 
Under the microscope it is seen to consist of stellately arranged, colorless 
hairs, mixed with depressed-globular glands, containing numerous red, club- 
shaped vesicles. Solubility. — Insoluble in hot and cold water. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Rottlerin, [C 22 H 20 O 6 , a 
neutral principle in yellowish needles, soluble in hot Alcohol, Ether, Benzol, 
and Carbon Disulphide. (2) Resins, nearly 80 per cent. 

Dose, 1 to 2 dr. ; 4. to 8. gm. 

Action and Therapeutics of Kamala. 

Kamala is an anthelmintic. It will kill the Tcznia solium, 
and probably the Oxyuris vermicularis and the Ascaris lumbri- 
coides. It is also purgative.] 

PEPO. 

[PUMPKIN SEED. — The seed of Cucurbita Pepo Linne (nat. ord. 
Cucurbitacece). Habitat. — Tropical Asia and America ; cultivated. 

Characters. — About 2 cm. long, broadly ovate, fiat, white, or whitish, 
nearly smooth, with a shallow groove parallel to the edge ; containing a 

40 



626 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

short, conical radicle and two flat cotyledons ; inodorous ; taste bland and 
oily. 

Composition. — (i) Fixed oil, 44 per cent. (2) An Acrid Resin, con- 
sidered to be the taeniafuge principle. (3) Two Proteids {Myosin and Vitellin). 
(4) Fatty Acids. 

Dose, 1 to 3 oz. ; 30. to 90. gm. 

Action and Uses of Pumpkin Seed. 
Pepo administered as an emulsion is one of the most efficient 
and at the same time harmless tseniafuges.] 

Class II.— ANTHELMINTICS USED FOR THE ROUNDWORM. 
SANTONICA. 

SANTONICA. — [Synonym. — Levant Wormseed. The unexpanded 
flower-heads of Artemisia paucijlora Weber (nat. ord. Composites). Habitat. 
— Turkestan. 

Characters. — From 2 to 4 mm. long, oblong-ovoid, obtuse, smooth, 
somewhat glossy, grayish-green, after exposure to light brownish-green, con- 
sisting of an involucre of about 12 to 18 closely imbricated, glandular scales 
with a broad midrib, enclosing four or five rudimentary florets ; odor strong, 
peculiar, somewhat camphoraceous ; taste aromatic and bitter. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Santonin {see below). 
(2) A volatile oil, 2 per cent., consisting mainly of Cineol, C i0 H 18 O. 

Dose, 15 to 60 gr. ; 1. to 4. gm.] 

SANTONINUM. — Santonin. C 15 H 18 3 [=245.43. A neutral prin- 
ciple obtained from Santonica. 

Source. — By exhausting Santonica, mixed with Lime, with Diluted Alco- 
hol, distilling off the Alcohol, and adding Acetic Acid to the residue. The 
precipitated Santonin is purified by dissolving it in Alcohol, treating with 
Animal Charcoal, and crystallizing. 

Characters. — Colorless, shining, flattened, prismatic crystals, odorless 
and nearly tasteless when first put in the mouth, but afterwards developing a 
bitter taste ; not altered by exposure to air, but turning yellow on exposure to 
light. Solubility. — Nearly insoluble in water ; soluble in 40 parts of Alcohol ; 
also soluble in 140 parts of Ether, in 4 parts of Chloroform, and in solutions 
of Caustic Alkalies.] 

Dose, X to x S T -', [- OI 5 to -° 6 S m - (child), 1 to 5 gr. ; .06 to .30 gm.] 
(adult). 

Preparation. 

Trochisci Santonini. — [Troches of Santonin. Santonin, 3; Sugar, 
no ; Tragacanth, 3 gm. ; Stronger Orange Flower Water, to make 100 
troches. Each troche contains about ^ gr- ; -03 gm. 

Dose, 2 (child) to 10 troches (adult).] 



VEGETABLE DRUGS USED TO KILL PARASITES. 627 

Action of Santonin. 

Santonin is anthelmintic, killing the roundworm, As- 
ian's lumbricoides, and according to some authorities the Oxyuris 
vermicularis, but this is doubtful, for it does not kill these worms 
outside the body, and therefore if efficient must be changed in 
the intestine. It has no action on tapeworms. Some of the 
santonin is absorbed as sodium santoninate. Medicinal doses 
will usually cause the urine, if it is acid, to be a greenish-yellow 
or saffron color, and if it is alkaline to be purplish-red. This 
is due to the excretion in that fluid of some substance resulting 
from the changes undergone by santonin in the body. It is 
slightly diuretic. Often even small doses lead to xanthopsy 
— that is to say, everything the patient sees has a yellow tint ; 
this is not the result of the staining of the tissues of the eye 
yellow, but is a direct effect on some other part of the visual 
path. 

Therapeutics of Santonin. 

Santonin is used solely to kill intestinal worms. It should be 
given on an empty stomach, and should be followed in two hours 
by a purgative, such as calomel, which acts on the small intestine, 
for this is the part inhabited by the worms killed by santonin. 
It is certainly very efficacious for the Ascaris lumbricoides. The 
lozenge [B. P., 1 gr., .06 gm. each] is not to be recommended, 
for it may not dissolve, and then will probably fail to kill the 
worm. A good way to give santonin is to suspend it and castor 
oil in mucilage flavored with peppermint. As already mentioned, 
probably it has no effect on the Oxyuris vermicularis, when 
given by the mouth, but a suppository made with oil of theo- 
broma, and containing 4 gr. ; 25 gm. of santonin, is said to kill 
this parasite. 

[Toxicology. 

Sympioms.~\ — Several cases of fatal poisoning by santonin are on record. 
Cerebral symptoms are very prominent. Thus convulsions, accompanied by 
unconsciousness, trismus, and dilated pupils, are generally present. The sur- 
face becomes cold, there is sweating, there may be trembling, the pulse and 
respiration become weaker and weaker, and death takes place from cardiac 
and respiratory failure. 



628 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

[Treatment. — Ammonia, or strychnine sulphate hypodermatically. If the 
drug is given with castor oil the danger of poisoning is lessened. 

SPIGELIA. 

SPIGELIA. — Synonyms. — Pinkroot. Carolina Pink. The rhizome and 
roots of Spigelia marilandica Linne (nat. ord. Loganiace<z\ Habitat. — 
Southern United States ; westward to Texas and Wisconsin, in rich woods. 

Characters. — Of horizontal growth, about 5 cm. or more long, 2 or 3 
mm. thick, dark purplish brown, bent, somewhat branched, on the upper side 
with cup-shaped scars ; on the lower side with numerous, thin, brittle, lighter- 
colored roots, about 10 cm. long; the rhizome internally with a whitish w r ood 
and a pith which is usually dark-colored or decayed ; odor somewhat aroma- 
tic ; taste sweetish, bitter and pungent. Resembling Spigelia root. — Phlox 
Carolina, but the rootlets are brownish-yellow, rather coarse, straight, and 
contain a straw-colored wood underneath a readily removable bark. 

Composition. — (1) Spigeline, a volatile alkaloid. (2) A little volatile 
oil. (3) Bitter principle. (4) Resin. 

Dose, X to 2 dr - 1 *• to 8 - & m - 

Preparation. 

Extractum Spigeliae Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Spigelia. By 
maceration and percolation with Diluted Alcohol, and evaporation. 
Dose, ^ to 2 fi. dr. ; 1. to 8. c.c. 

Action and Uses of Spigelia. 

Spigelia is one of the most powerful anthelmintics. It may- 
give rise to symptoms of narcotic poisoning, which, however, 
may be obviated by its combination with a cathartic like senna. 

CHENOPODIUM. 

CHENOPODIUM. — Synonym. — American Wormseed. The fruit of 
Chenopodium ambrosioides Linne, and variety anthelminticum Gray (nat. ord. 
ChenopodiacecE). Habitat. — West India and Central America ; naturalized in 
the United States. 

Characters. — Nearly 2 mm. in diameter, depressed-globular, glandular, 
dull greenish or brownish, the integuments friable, and containing a lenticular, 
obtusely-edged, glossy, black seed. It has a peculiar, somewhat terebinthinate 
odor, and a bitterish, pungent taste. 

Composition. — It is composed chiefly of a volatile oil, consisting of (1) 
a hydrocarbon, C 10 H 16 , and (2) a liquid, oxygenated oil C 10 H 16 O. 

Dose, 15 to 30 gr. ; 1. to 2. gm. 



VEGETABLE DRUGS USED TO KILL PARASITES. 629 

OLEUM CHENOPODIL— Oil of Chenopodium. Synonym.— Oil 

of American Wormseed. A volatile oil distilled from Chenopodium. 

Characters. — A thin, colorless or yellowish liquid, having a peculiar, 
penetrating, somewhat camphoraceous odor, and a pungent and bitter taste. 
Sp. gr., about 0.970. 

Dose, 2 to 10 m. ; .12 to .60 c.c. 

Action and Uses of Chenopodium. 

Wormseed is one of the most efficient anthelmintics, particu- 
larly against AscarideSj but it should be followed by a cathartic] 

Class III.— PARASITICIDES USED FOR PEDICULI. 
STAPHISAGRIA. 

STAPHISAGRIA.— [Synonym.— Stavesacre. The seed of Delphinium 
Staphisagria Linne (nat. ord. Ranioiculacea). Habitat. — Basin of the Med- 
iterranean ; cultivated. 

Characters. — About 5 mm. long, 3 or 4 mm. broad, flattish-tetrahedral, 
one side convex, brown or brownish-gray, with reticulate ridges, containing a 
whitish, oily albumen and a straight embryo ; nearly inodorous ; taste bitter 
and acrid. ] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Delphinine, [C 22 H 35 N0 6 , 
a white, crystalline, poisonous alkaloid, soluble in Alcohol, Ether and Chloro- 
form, resembling Aconite in its action. (2) Delphinoidine, C 42 H 68 N 2 T , an 
amorphous alkaloid ; solubility as of Delphinine. (3) Delphisine, C 27 H 46 N 2 4 , 
a crystalline alkaloid of the same solubility. (4) Staphisagrine , C 22 H 32 N0 5 , 
an alkaloid but slightly soluble in water. (5) Fixed oil, 25 per cent.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Staphisagria. 

[Staphisagria] is only used as a parasiticide to kill pediculi. 
The affected part is rubbed with the ointment, [B. P., 4 • yel- 
low wax, 2 : benzoinated lard, 1 7] which, in the case of pediculi 
vestimentonun, is allowed to soak, day and night, into the gar- 
ments next to the skin, for the parasite inhabits them. It is 
often employed, but it will be remembered that many other 
parasiticides for pediculi have been mentioned {see p. 51). 

PICROTOXINUM. 

PICROTOXIN. — C 30 ri3 4 O 13 [=6oo.58. A neutral principle obtained 
from the seed of Anamirta paniculata Colebrooke (nat. ord. Menispermacece). 
Synonyms. — Cocculus Indicus. Fishberry. Habitat. — East India. 



63O ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Source. — Obtained by exhaustion with hot Alcohol, evaporation and puri- 
fication by re-crystallization, after decolorizing with Animal Charcoal. 

Characters. — Colorless, flexible, shining, prismatic crystals, or a micro- 
crystalline powder, odorless, and having a very bitter taste ; permanent in the 
air. Solubility. — Soluble in 240 parts of water, and in 9 parts of Alcohol ; 
also soluble in solutions of the alkalies, and in acids. Very slightly soluble in 
Ether or Chloroform. ] 

Dose, ih to eV £ r - 5 [- 00 °5 ^ - 001 S m -1 

Action of Picrotoxin. 

External. — Picrotoxin is very destructive to lower forms of 
life, and is therefore antiparasitic. 

Internal. — It is a powerful poison, causing severe gastro-in- 
testinal irritation, collapse, lightheadedness, convulsions, hyper- 
pyrexia, slowing of the pulse and stimulation of the respiratory 
centre. Death results from asphyxia, partly due to convulsions 
and partly to ultimate paralysis of the respiratory centre. 

Therapeutics of Picrotoxin. 

External. — An ointment of the seeds in lard [1 to 6] has 
been applied to the scalp to kill pediculi. It must be employed 
with caution, for this strong poison can be absorbed if the skin 
be broken. It is an expensive ointment. 

Internal. — Picrotoxin is used empirically, to check the 
night sweating of phthisis. A single dose should be given in 
the evening. Its action is uncertain, but sometimes it succeeds. 
Many other diseases have been treated with it, but there is no 
evidence that it has benefited them. [Tablets] , each containing 
T tjo of a grain [.0006 gm.], are prepared for subcutaneous injec- 
tion. One should be dissolved in a few drops of water imme- 
diately before use. 



VEGETABLE DRUGS HAVING A DIURETIC ACTION. 63 1 



GROUP XI. 

Vegetable drugs apparently having only a diuretic 

action. 

Uva Ursi, [Apocynum, Zea,] Triticum, [Marrubium, Pareira, 
Dulcamara, Chimaphila, Fabiana.] 

UVA URSI. 

UVA URSI. — Synonym. — Bearberry. [The leaves of Arctostaphylos 
Uva Ursi (Linne) Sprengel (nat. ord. Ericacecc). Habitat. — Northern Hemi- 
sphere, in dry and sandy or rocky places ; in the United States, south to Penn- 
sylvania, New Mexico, and California. 

Characters. — Very short-stalked, obovate or oblong- spatulate, coriaceous, 
from 15 to 20 mm. long, and 5 to 8 mm. broad, obtuse, slightly revolute on 
the margin, upper surface with depressed veins ; lower surface distinctly reticu- 
late ; odor faint, hay-like ; taste strongly astringent, and somewhat bitter. 
Resembling Uva Ursi. — Senna {see p. 493) and Buchu {see p. 570.)] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Arbutin, [C 12 H 16 7 ,] a 
bitter, crystalline glucoside yielding glucose, hydroquinone and methyl-hydro- 
quinone. (2) Ericolin [C 10 H 16 O, a bitter, crystalline glucoside. (3) Ursone, 
a tasteless neutral body. (4) Tannic Acid, 6 to 7 per cent. (5) Gallic Acid. 

Incompatibles. — Iron, lead and silver salts, alkaloids, and gelatin.] 

Dose, X to 1 dr - J L 1 - to 4- gm.] 

Prepa rations. 

[1. Extractum Uvae Ursi. — Extract of Uva Ursi. By maceration 
and percolation with Alcohol and Water, and evaporation. 
Dose, 5 to 15 gr. ; .30 to 1.00 gm. 

2. Extractum Uvae Ursi Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Uva Ursi. 
By maceration and percolation with Glycerin, Alcohol and Water, and 
evaporation. 

Dose, X to 1 fl. dr. ; 1. to 4. ex.] 

Action of Uva Ursi. 

Uva ursi is a well-marked diuretic, and is astringent and 
disinfectant to the urinary mucous membrane. Its dis- 
infectant action is probably due to the decomposition of the ar- 
butin into glucose and hydroquinone, for after uva ursi is given 
this substance is found in the urine, and it is a very energetic 
antiseptic. This decomposition must take place in the kidneys, 



632 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

for hydroquinone is a powerful poison. Against this being the 
reason of the disinfectant action of the uva ursi, it is urged that 
giving arbutin does not disinfect the urine ; but others deny this, 
and the probability is that the first-mentioned view is correct. 
Arbutin itself is a diuretic. The urine may be a pale greenish 
to dark greenish-brown color. Hydroquinone is also found in 
the urine in carbolic acid poisoning {see p. 332). [The fluid 
extract is an excellent remedy for ardor urinse of acute gonor- 
rhoea.] The astringent action of uva ursi on the urinary tract is 
usually ascribed to the gallic and tannic acids, but as these are 
not remote astringents this is most likely wrong. 

Therapeutics of Uva Ursi. 

Uva ursi is given to disinfect the urine in the same class of 
cases as buchu — that is to say, in pyelitis, cystitis and gonorrhoea. 

[APOCYNUM. 

APOCYNUM. — Synonym. — Canadian Hemp. The root of Apocynum 
cannabinum Linne (nat. ord. Apocynacece). Habitat, — United States, on the 
border of thickets and in grassy places. 

Characters. — Long, cylindrical, somewhat branched, 5 to 10 mm. thick, 
gray or brownish- gray, longitudinally wrinkled and transversely fissured ; 
brittle ; fracture short, white ; the bark rather thick ; the wood porous, spongy, 
with delicate, medullary rays ; inodorous ; taste bitter, disagreeable. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Apocynein, a glucoside, 
soluble in water, acting like digitalin. (2) Apocynin, an amorphous, resinous 
glucoside. 

Dose, 2 to 5 gr. ; .12 to .30 gm. 

Preparation. 

Extractum Apocyni Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Apocynum. 
By maceration and percolation with Glycerin, Alcohol and Water, and 
evaporation. 

Dose, 2 to 20 m. ; .12 to 1.20 c.c. 

Action and Uses of Apocynum. 

Canadian hemp has been found to be beneficial in dropsy, be- 
cause of its action which is not only diuretic, but as well re- 
sembling that of strophanthus and similar drugs, when used as 
an infusion (1 to 16), of which the dose is one to two fluid 



VEGETABLE DRUGS HAVING A DIURETIC ACTION. 633 

ounces; 30. to 60. c.c., twice or three times daily. This is a 
more valuable drug than its limited use would indicate. It fre- 
quently produces copious diuresis after other, and better known 
drugs, have failed. It is also, in larger doses, a hydragogue 
cathartic. 

ZEA. 

ZEA. — Synonym. — Corn-silk. The styles and stigmas of Zea A/ays 
Linne (nat. ord. Graminece). Habitat. — Tropical America ; cultivated in 
the warm, temperate zone. 

Characters. — Thread-like ; about 15 cm. long, and 0.5 mm. broad, 
yellowish or greenish, soft silky, finely hairy, and delicately veined longitudi- 
nally ; inodorous ; taste sweetish. 

Composition. — Its chief constituents are — (1) Maizenic Acid, about 2 
percent. (2) Fixed oil. (3) Resin. (4) Salts. 

Dose, 1 to 2 dr. ; 4. to 8. gm. 

Action and Uses of Corn-Silk. 

Corn-silk is a mild but fairly certain diuretic when given in 
full doses. It is useful in acute and chronic cystitis and in the 
bladder irritation of uric acid and for phosphatic gravel. It is 
possibly as well a cardiac stimulant in the dropsy of heart dis- 
ease. It is best administered in the form of an infusion, in boil- 
ing water (1 to 8), taken almost ad libitum. ~\ 

TRITICUM. 

TRITICUM. — [Synonym. — Couch-Grass. The rhizome of Agropyrum 
repens (Linne) Beauvois (nat. ord. Graminece), gathered in the spring and de- 
prived of the roots. Habitat. — Europe and North America. 

Characters. — Very long and creeping, about 2 mm. thick ; as met with 
in the shops, cut into sections about I cm. long ; smooth, but wrinkled ; hollow 
in the centre, straw-yellow ; inodorous, taste sweetish. 

Composition. — (1) Triticin, about 8 per cent., a gummy substance resem- 
bling Inulin. (2) Inosit. (3) Malates. 

Dose, 1 to 8 dr. ; 4. to 30. gm. 

Preparation. 

Extractum Tritici Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Triticum. By 
percolation with Boiling Watew, evaporation, addition of Alcohol and 
filtration. 

Dose, 1 to 8 fl. dr. ; 4. to 30. c.c] 



634 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Action and Therapeutics of Triticum. 

Triticum is a diuretic, and is used as a sedative in inflamma- 
tion of the genitourinary membranes. 

[MARRUBIUM. 

MARRUBIUM. — Synonym. — Horehound. The leaves and tops of 
Marrnbium vulgare Linne (nat. ord. Labiatce). Habitat. — Europe, Central 
Asia ; naturalized in North America ; cultivated. 

Characters. — Leaves about 25 mm. long, opposite, petiolate, roundish- 
ovate, obtuse, coarsely crenate, strongly rugose, downy above, white-hairy 
beneath; branches quadrangular, white, tomentose ; flowers in dense, axillary 
woolly whorls, with a stiffly ten- toothed calyx, a whitish, bilabiate corolla, and 
four included stamens ; aromatic and bitter. 

Composition. — (I) Marrubiin, possibly a glucoside, in crystalline scales 
or prisms, soluble in Ether, Chloroform and Alcohol. (2) Volatile Oil, in 
small amount. (3) Resin. 

Dose, 1 to 2 dr. ; 4. to 8. gm. 

Uses and Action of Horehound. 

Horehound, used as a decoction or an infusion, is in moder- 
ate doses a diuretic, in large doses laxative, and may be so given 
as to increase the action of the skin and kidneys ; but its action 
is not marked. It is probably also a bitter stomachic. Confec- 
tion of horehound slowly dissolved in the mouth relieves the 
relaxed throat of public speakers.] 

PAREIRA. 

PAREIRA. — [Synonym. — Pareira Brava. The root of Chondodendron 
tomentosum Ruiz et Pavon (nat. ord. Menisfiermacetc). Habitat. — Brazil. 

Characters. — Subcylindrical, somewhat tortuous pieces, about 10 to 15 
cm. long, varying in thickness from 2 to 10 cm. ; externally dark brownish- 
gray, with transverse ridges and fissures and longitudinal furrows ; internally 
pale brown, and, when freshly cut, having a waxy lustre ; bark thin ; wood 
porous, in two or more somewhat irregularly concentric circles, with rather 
large medullary rays, and no distinct central pith; inodorous ; taste bitter. 

Composition. — The chief constituent is Pelosine, an alkaloid, about 0.5 
per cent., identical with Berberine {see p. 640) and Buxine]. 

Incompatibles. — Ferric and lead salts, and tincture of iodine. 

Dose, % to 1 dr. ; [2. to 4. gm.] 



VEGETABLE DRUGS HAVING A DIURETIC ACTION. 635 

Preparation. 

[Extractum Pareirae Fluidum.— Fluid Extract of Pareira. By 
maceration and percolation with Glycerin, Alcohol, and Water, and 
evaporation. 

Dose, y z to 1 fl. dr. ; 2. to 4. c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Pareira. 

Pareira [besides its diuretic, in which it closely resembles 
buchu, is not known to have any physiological action.] It is 
used empirically in chronic inflammation of the genito- urinary 
tract, such as pyelitis, cystitis, gonorrhoea, and gleet. [It was 
formerly renowned as a lithontriptic] 

[DULCAMARA. 

DULCAMARA. — Synonyms. — Bittersweet. Woody Nightshade. The 
young branches of Solatium Dulcamara Linne (nat. ord. Solanacecc). Habi- 
tat. — Europe and Asia ; naturalized in North America. 

Characters. — About 5 mm., or less, thick, cylindrical, somewhat angu- 
lar, longitudinally striate, more or less warty, usually hollow in the centre, cut 
into short sections. The thin bark is externally pale greenish, or light greenish 
brown, marked with alternate leaf-scars, and internally green ; the greenish or 
yellowish wood forms one or two concentric rings. Odor slight ; taste bitter, 
afterwards sweet. 

Composition. — (1) Solanine, C 42 H 87 N0 15 , the active alkaloid. (2) Dul- 
camarin, C 22 H 34 O 10 , 0.4 per cent, a glucoside, soluble in water and Alcohol, 
and yielding frothy solutions. (3) Resin. (4) Gum. 

Dose, 1 to 2 dr. ; 4. to 8. gm. 

Preparation. 

Extractum Dulcamarae Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Dulcamara. 
By maceration and percolation with diluted Alcohol and evaporation. 
Dose, 1 to 2 fl. dr. ; 4. to 8. c.c. 

Action and Uses of Dulcamara. 

Dulcamara increases the secretions, particularly those of the 
kidneys and skin, with some diminution of sensibility. In large 
doses it is an acro-narcotic poison. It has been employed chiefly 
for cutaneous eruptions, particularly of a scaly character, but is 
seldom prescribed. 



6$6 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

CHIMAPHILA. 

CHIMAPHILA. — Synonyms. — Pipsissewa. Prince's Pine. The leaves 
of Chimaphila umbellata (Linne) Nuttall (nat. ord. Ericacece). Habitat. — 
Northern Continent. 

Characters. — About 5 cm. long, oblanceolate, sharply serrate above, 
wedge-shaped and nearly entire towards the base ; coriaceous, smooth, and 
dark-green on the upper surface. It is nearly inodorous, and has an astringent 
and bitterish taste. 

Composition. — (1) Arbutin {see p. 631). (2) Ericolin. (3) Chimaphilin, 
in yellow, tasteless, volatile crystals. (4) Ursone. (5) Tannic Acid, 4 per cent. 

Dose, )/ z to 2 dr. ; 2. to 8. c.c. 

Preparation. 

Extractum Chimaphilae Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Chima- 
phila. By maceration and percolation with Diluted Alcohol, and evap- 
oration. 

Dose, y 2 to 2 fi. dr. ; 2. to 8. c.c. 

Action and Uses of Chimaphila. 
This plant is diuretic and diaphoretic. It is used for rheumat- 
ism and nephritic affections. 

FABIANA. 

PICHI. — (Not official.) — The branches of the woody shrub, Fabiana 
imbricata (nat. ord. Solanacecc). Habitat. — Peru and Chili. 

Characters. —A woody shrub growing on rocky hill-tops, with plume- 
like sprays, the small densely-crowded leaves much resembling those of 
a conifer. The branches and leafy branchlets are resinous, with an aromatic 
odor and taste. 

Composition. — It contains (1) Fabianine, a bitter alkaloid. (2) A Resin. 
(3) A crystalline substance. (4) An essential oil. 

Preparation. 

Extractum Fabianae Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Fabiana. By 
maceration and percolation with Diluted Alcohol, and evaporation. 
Dose, 5 to 40 m. ; .30 to 2.50 c.c. 

Action and Therapeutics of Pichi. 

Pichi is a diuretic of great value in inflammation of the blad- 
der and catarrh of the urinary tract. It should not be used in 
organic disease. It is best prescribed in combination with an 
alkali, as sodium carbonate.] 



VEGETABLE DRUGS ACTING ON UNSTRIPED MUSCLE. 637 



GROUP XII. 

Vegetable drugs acting locally on unstriped muscle, 
especially that of the uterus. 

Ergot, Hydrastis, [Cotton Root Bark, Caulophyllum, Viburnum, 

Apiol.] 

ERGOTA. 

ERGOT. — [Synonym. — Ergot of Rye. The sclerotium of Claviceps pur- 
purea (Fries) Tulasne (class Fungi), replacing the grain of rye, Secale cereale 
Linne (nat. ord. Graminece). Habitat. — Spain and Russia. 

Characters. — Somewhat fusiform, obtusely triangular, usually curved, 
about 2 or 3 cm. long, and 3 mm. thick ; three-furrowed, obtuse at both ends, 
purplish-black, internally whitish with some purplish strice, breaking with a 
short fracture ; odor peculiar, heavy ; taste oily and disagreeable. ] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are— [(1) Ergotine, C 50 H 52 N 2 O 3 , 
an amorphous alkaloid, feebly bitter ; soluble in Alcohol and water. (2) 
Ecboline, an amorphous alkaloid, slightly bitter ; soluble in water and Alcohol. 
(3) Ergotinine, C 35 H i0 N t O 6 , a crystalline alkaloid, slightly bitter.] (4) 
Sphacelic Acid [known also as Spkacelotoxin~\, a non-nitrogenous, unstable 
body, insoluble in water, soluble in alkalies. It is believed to be the active 
agent in contracting the blood-vessels. (5) Comutine, an active alkaloid, [not 
only contracts the blood-vessels but] is believed to be the agent which con- 
tracts the uterus. This is the chief active constituent of alcoholic extracts of 
Ergot. (6) \_Sclerotinic, Ergotinic or Ergotic Acid, I to 4 per cent., solu- 
ble in water and alkalies, having ecbolic properties]. This is really a mixture 
of Sphacelic Acid and Comutine. (7) A fixed oil, 30 per cent. (8) Tri- 
methylamine, to which the odor is due. (9) Tannic Acid. Many other 
bodies have been found in Ergot, but those given are believed to be the more 
important ; the composition of Ergot is not yet certainly made out. 

Dose, 30 to 60 gr. ; [2. to 4. gm.] 

Preparations. 

1. [Extractum Ergotae Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Ergot. By 
maceration and percolation with Acetic Acid and Diluted Alcohol, and 
evaporation. 

Dose, y 2 to 1 fi. dr. ; 2. to 3. c.c. 

2. Extractum Ergotae. — Extract of Ergot. Synonym. — Ergotin. 
Fluid Extract of Ergot. By evaporation- to a pilular consistence. 

Dose, 5 to 15 gr. ; .30 to 1.00 gm. 



638 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

3. Vinum Ergotae. — Wine of Ergot. Ergot, 150. By percola- 
tion with White Wine, 150; and Alcohol, to 1000. 
Dose, 1 to 4 fl. dr. ; .4 to .15 c.c. 

It is said that Ammonia is the best solvent for the active principles of 
Ergot. It maybe extemporaneously prescribed as follows: Ergot, I; Aro- 
matic Spirit of Ammonia, 2. Dose, 10 to 60 m. ; .60 to 4.00 c.c] 

Action of Ergot. 

The chief action of corrmtine is on voluntary and involun- 
tary muscle, which is stimulated to contract, hence prolonged 
muscle curves, increased peristalsis of the [intestines], tonic 
contraction of the uterus, and consequent rise of blood-pressure. 
It also causes convulsions. Sphacelic acid also acts directly on 
the muscular tissue of arterioles and the uterus, causing it to con- 
tract, and in addition it produces an actual thickening of the 
walls of the arterioles. These substances are rarely given sepa- 
rately, and the following account refers to the action of ergot 
itself. 

External. — None. 

Internal. — Gastro-intestinal tract. — The unstriped muscle 
of the intestine is stimulated by ergot, and this leads to greatly 
increased peristaltic movements, sometimes strong enough to 
cause relaxation of the bowels. The vessels of the intestine are 
constricted, in part because of the contraction of their own 
muscular fibres, and in part because of the contraction of those 
of the intestinal muscular coat. The result is that the intestine 
is blanched. 

Blood. — The active principles of ergot are readily absorbed, 
but they are not known to produce any effect on the blood. 

Heart. — The activity of the heart muscle is depressed by 
ergot ; therefore the rate of the pulse falls, and consequently at 
first the blood-pressure may fall. 

Vessels. — But the fall of blood-pressure is soon followed by a 
great rise, and this is due to the general contraction of the 
arteries all over the body ; they can, in some parts, be seen to 
become smaller. The rise of pressure is most marked in the 
pulmonary artery, and here there is no primary fall. The veins 



VEGETABLE DRUGS ACTING ON UNSTRIPED MUSCLE. 639 

are contracted to a less extent. This vascular contraction is 
less if the spinal cord is destroyed, from which it is fair to infer 
that it is partly due to the action of ergot on the vaso-motor 
centres in the cord, but the drug acts largely directly on the 
muscular coat of the vessels. [Because it contracts the arterioles 
it is haemostatic] If the ergot be taken for a long time the 
contraction of the arterioles, together with the associated thick- 
ening of their walls produced by sphacelic acid, lead to gan- 
grene of various parts of the body, and this was a prominent 
symptom of the ergotism (chronic poisoning by ergot) which 
used to be seen in the very poor who could get no better food 
than rye infected with Claviceps purpurea. Enormous single 
doses of ergot appear to paralyze the vaso-motor centres, and 
then the blood-pressure falls from vascular dilatation and cardiac 
depression. 

Nervous system. — Medicinal doses, or even an enormous single 
dose, very rarely affect the nervous system, but if ergot be taken 
for a long time a peculiar train of symptoms sets in ; they con- 
stituted the second variety of chronic ergotism in the [times] 
when diseased bread was eaten. The sufferer first complained 
of itching and tingling, and a sensation of insects running over 
the skin ; this was followed by numbness and local anaes- 
thesia. These symptoms first appeared in the hands and feet, 
but spread over the whole body. They were followed by tonic 
contractions of various muscles, especially those of the ex- 
tremities. The muscular power was lessened, and the gait was 
staggering. Dimness of vision and loss of hearing, and epi- 
leptiform convulsions were sometimes present. This variety 
of ergotism was usually accompanied by vomiting and diarrhoea. 
Death occurred from [exhaustion]. 

Uterus. — Ergot powerfully excites the pregnant uterus of 
women and lower animals to contract and expel its contents. It 
is therefore called an ecbolic. It is not decided whether this 
effect is due to the action of the drug on the organ itself or on 
the spinal centres. Ergot has very little power to cause contrac- 
tion of the unimpregnated uterus. 

The flow of urine, of saliva, of sweat, and of milk is dimin- 



64O ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

ished by ergot, probably because of the general vascular con- 
striction. 

Therapeutics of Ergot. 

The chief use of ergot is to cause efficient contraction of the 
uterus after labor, and so to diminish the risk of post-partum 
haemorrhage. If there is any likelihood of profuse bleeding it 
should be given subcutaneously, so that it may act rapidly, 

Ergot should [not] be administered before the child is ex- 
pelled, for the contraction produced by it not only gradually 
becomes more severe, but more prolonged, so that ultimately the 
uterus remains tightly contracted for several minutes ; that is, of 
course, dangerous to the life of the child, and if the resistance be 
very great, may lead to rupture of the uterus. [The modern 
practice is to forbid its use until after the expulsion of the 
placenta.] 

This drug has often been given as a haemostatic in haemoptysis 
and other haemorrhages from different parts of the body. Some 
authors claim great success. Frequently it fails, and it may, by 
the general rise of blood-pressure, do more harm than good. It 
is difficult to [estimate] its value, for so many haemorrhages will 
stop, even if no drugs are given. It has been used to check the 
night-sweats of phthisis, and as an antigalactagogue. 

It is often desirable to combine the [fluid] extract of ergot 
with [ferric] chloride. Because of the tannic acid in the ergot 
an inky mixture results ; but this may be clarified by the addition 
of a little citric acid, and the taste may be covered with chloro- 
form water. 

HYDRASTIS. 

HYDRASTIS. — [Synonyms.— Golden Seal. Yellow Puccoon. The 
rhizome and roots of Hydrastis canadensis Linne (nat. ord. Ranunculacece.) 
Habitat. — North America, west to Missouri and Arkansas, in woodlands. 

Characters. — Rhizome about 4 cm. long and 6 mm. thick ; oblique 
with short branches, somewhat annulate and longitudinally wrinkled ; exter- 
nally brownish-gray ; fracture short, waxy, bright reddish-yellow, with a thick - 
ish bark, about ten narrow wood-wedges, broad medullary rays, and large pith. 
Roots thin, brittle, with a thick, yellow bark and subquadrangular, woody 
centre. Odor slight ; taste bitter. ] 

Composition.— It contains — (1) Berberine, [C 20 H 17 NO 4 , an alkaloid ex- 



VEGETABLE DRUGS ACTING ON UNSTRIPED MUSCLE. 64 1 

isting as yellowish prismatic crystals, and is found in many plants (Berberis, 
Calumba, Coptis, Menispermurn, Xanthorrhiza, Xanthoxylum, etc. ), chiefly in 
the orders Berberacece, Menispertnacecz, and Ranunculacece. It is identical 
with Buxine, the alkaloid of Buxus sempervirens, and Pelosine, that of Chon- 
dodendron tor?nentoswn (Pareira). (2)' Hydrastine, 
alkaloid, soluble in Alcohol and Ether.] (3) 
needles. 

Dose, 5 to 60 gr. ; [.30 to 4.00 gm.] 

Preparations. 

1. [Extractum Hydrastis Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Hydras- 
tis. By maceration and percolation with Alcohol, Glycerin and water, 
and evaporation. 

Dose, 5 to 60 m. ; .30 to 4.00 c.c. 

2. Tinctura Hydrastis. — Tincture of Hydrastis. Hydrastis, 200 ; 
by maceration and percolation with diluted Alcohol to 1000. 

Dose, y z to 2 fl. dr. ; 2. to 8. c.c. 

3. Glyceritum Hydrastis. — Glycerite of Hydrastis. Hydrastis, 
by percolation and maceration with Alcohol, distil off the Alcohol, add 
Water, filter, and to the filtrate add an equal volume of Glycerin. 

Dose, 5 to 60 m. ; .30 to 4.00 c.c. 

HYDRASTININiE HYDROCHLORAS. — Hydrastinine Hydro- 
chlorate. C n H n N0 2 HCl=224.97. The Hydrochlorate of an artificial al- 
kaloid derived from Hydrastine, the latter being obtained from Hydrastis. 

Source. — By acting upon Hydrastine by oxidizing agents, as when Man 
ganese Dioxide and Sulphuric Acid are used together, or when Platinic 
Chloride is employed. 

Characters. — Light yellow, amorphous granules, or a pale yellow, crys- 
talline powder, odorless, and having a bitter, saline taste ; deliquescent on 
exposure to damp air. Solubility. — In 0.3 part of water, and in 3 parts of 
Alcohol ; with difficulty soluble in Ether or Chloroform. 

Dose, T L to \ gr. ; .005 to .01 gm.] 

Action of Hydrastis. 

Hydrastis, in moderate doses, acts as a gastric bitter, promot- 
ing the appetite, stimulating the gastro-intestinal secretions, and 
peristalsis. It increases the flow of bile. It contracts the pe- 
ripheral arterioles chiefly, if not entirely, from its action on the 
vaso-motor centre in the medulla. In moderate doses it dimin- 
ishes the rate and depresses the force of the cardiac contraction, 
but the contraction of the arterioles causes a rise of blood-pres- 

41 



642 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

sure. It is said to increase uterine contractions and to produce 
abortion, but this is doubtful. In poisonous doses it still more 
depresses the heart, causing a great fall of blood-pressure ; it 
produces convulsions similar to those of strychnine, and kills by 
paralysis of respiration. Its action is mainly due to the alkaloid 
hydrastine. It has been stated that this, before it acts, is oxi- 
dized into hydrastinine, but against this is the fact that it is ex- 
creted unchanged in the urine. 

Therapeutics of Hydrastis. 

External. — Hydrastis is employed empirically as a local 
stimulating application in chronic inflammations, such as un- 
healthy ulcers. It is used also as a lotion in hyperidrosis, acne, 
and seborrhoea. Any of the preparations may be employed, if 
diluted with water. 

Internal. — The chief use of hydrastis is that it is empirically 
administered for chronic inflammations of mucous membranes. 
It is said to be especially valuable for uterine affections, partic- 
ularly menorrhagia and dysmenorrhea. It is given to stop uter- 
ine haemorrhage and to arrest the growth of uterine tumors. For 
all these diseases hydrastinine hydrochlorate has been much used. 
Hydrastis is also employed in the chronic gastritis of drunken- 
ness, and to a rather less degree in other forms of chronic gastro- 
intestinal catarrh. As an injection or lotion it is employed (any 
preparation diluted with an equal part of water) for chronic nasal 
catarrh, otorrhcea, leucorrhoea, gonorrhoea, and as a mouth wash 
in aphthous stomatitis, chronic pharyngitis, etc. Some authors 
claim that it is useful for the same diseases of the heart as are 
benefited by digitalis. As an antiperiodic, hydrastis is inferior 
[but next in value to] quinine. 

[GOSSYPII RADICIS CORTEX. 

COTTON ROOT BARK.— The bark of the root of Gossypium 
herbaceiim Linne, and of other species of Gossypium (nat. ord. Malvacece). 
Habitat. — Subtropical Asia and Africa ; cultivated in the United States. 

Characters. — In thin, flexible bands or quilled pieces; outer surface 
brownish-yellow, with slight longitudinal ridges or meshes, small, black, cir- 
cular dots, or short, transverse lines, and dull, brownish-orange patches, from 



VEGETABLE DRUGS ACTING ON UNSTRIPED MUSCLE. 643 

the abrasion of the thin cork ; inner surface whitish, of a silky lustre, finely 
striate ; bast-fibres long, tough, and separable into papery layers ; inodorous ; 
taste very slightly acrid and faintly astringent. 

Composition. — (1) A yellow Resin. (2) A fixed Oil. (3) Tannic 
Acid. (4) Yellow coloring matter. 
Dose, ^ to 1 dr. ; 1. to 4. gm. 

Preparation. 
Extractum Gossypii Radicis Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of 
Cotton Root Bark. By maceration and percolation with Glycerin and 
Alcohol, and evaporation. 

Dose, X to 1 fl. dr. ; 1. to 4. c.c. 

Action and Uses of Cotton Root Bark. 
Cotton Root Bark has the same action as ergot, and is an 
emmenagogue and an abortifacient. It is used as an uterine 
haemostatic in the treatment of menorrhagia and metrorrhagia 
from various causes, and particularly from uterine fibroids. 

CAULOPHYLLUM. 

CAULOPHYLLUM.-5j/;w«y//«.-Blue Cohosh. Squaw Root. The 
rhizome and roots of Caulophyllum thalictroides (Linne) Michaux (nat. ord. 
Berberidacece). Habitat. — North America, southward to Kentucky, in rich 
woodlands. 

Characters. — Rhizome of horizontal growth, about 10 cm. long, and 
about 6 to 10 mm. thick, bent ; on the upper side with broad, concave stem ; 
scars and short, knotty branches ; externally grayish-brown, internally whitish, 
tough and woody. Roots numerous, matted, about 10 cm. long, and I mm. 
thick, rather tough ; nearly inodorous ; taste sweetish, slightly bitter and some- 
what acrid. 

Composition. — Its chief constituents are — (1) Caulophylline, an alkaloid, 
which is colorless, odorless and almost tasteless, and crystallizes with difficulty. 
(2) Saponin, {seep. 448). (3) Resins, 12 per cent. (4) Tannic Acid. 

Dose, 5 to 30 gr. ; .30 to 2.00 gm. 

Action and Uses of Caulophyllum. 

Caulophyllum is used to increase the force of uterine contrac- 
tions ; it has been employed as a remedy for deficient labor-pains, 
and is believed to be useful in dysmenorrhcea. 

VIBURNUM. 
VIBURNUM VRUNIFOLIUM. — Synonym. —Black Haw. The 
bark of Viburnum prunifolium Linne (nat. ord. Caprifoliacece). Habitat. — 
United States, westward to Kansas and Mississippi ; in thickets. 



644 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Characters. — In thin pieces or quills, glossy purplish-brown, with scat- 
tered warts and minute black dots ; when collected from old wood, grayish- 
brown ; the thin, corky layer easily removed from the green layer ; inner 
surface whitish, smooth ; fracture short ; inodorous, somewhat astringent and 
bitter. 

Composition. — Its chief constituents are — (i) A brown, bitter Resin. 
(2) Viburnin, a greenish-yellow, bitter principle. (3) Valerianic Acid. (4) 
Tannic Acid. (5) Oxalates, Citrates and Malates. 

Dose, X to 1 dr. ; 1. to 4. gm. 

Preparation. 

Extractum Viburni Prunifolii Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Vi- 
burnum Prunifolium. By maceration and percolation with Alcohol and 
Water, and evaporation. 

Dose, j( to 1 fl. dr. ; 1. to 4. c.c. 

VIBURNUM OPXJL.TJS.— Synonyms.— Cramp Bark. High Bush 
Cranberry. The bark of Viburnum Opulus Linne (nat. ord. Caprifoliacecz). 
Habitat. — North America, from New Brunswick westward, and southward to 
Pennsylvania, in low grounds. 

Characters. — In flattish or curved bands, or occasionally in quills, some- 
times 30 cm. long, and from 1 to 1.5 mm. thick, outer surface ash-gray, 
marked with scattered somewhat traversely elongated warts of a brownish 
color, due to abrasion, and more or less marked with blackish dots, and chiefly 
in a longitudinal direction with black, irregular lines or thin ridges ; under- 
neath the easily-removed corky layer of a pale brownish or somewhat reddish- 
brown color; the inner surface dingy -white or brownish; fracture tough, the 
tissue separating in layers ; inodorous ; taste somewhat astringent and bitter. 

Composition. — The same as of Viburnum Prunifolium. 

Dose, 1 to 2 dr. ; 4. to 8. gm. 

Preparation. 

Extractum Viburni Opuli Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Vibur- 
num Opulus. By maceration and percolation with Alcohol and Water, 
and evaporation. 

Dose, 1 to 2 fl. dr. ; 4. to 8. c.c. 

Action and Uses of Viburnum. 

Viburnum is believed to be an antispasmodic, diuretic and 
tonic. It is especially used in the nervous diseases of pregnancy 
and to prevent miscarriage. It has considerable reputation as a 
remedy for spasmodic dysmenorrhea, in the treatment of after- 



COLCHICUM. 645 

pains, and in menorrhagia. This remedy has been in extensive 
use for more than twenty years and is undoubtedly of value. 

APIOLUM. 

APIOL. — (Not official.) — C 12 H u 4 =22i.48. A substance obtained from 
the fruit of Petroselinum sativum (nat. ord. Umbelliferce). Synonym. — 
Parsley. Habitat. — Southern Europe ; cultivated. 

Source. — The fruit is exhausted with Petroleum Benzin, the solvent 
evaporated, the residue treated with strong Alcohol, on the evaporation of 
which Apiol is left. 

Characters. — A colorless liquid resembling a fixed oil, but not saponi- 
fiable, becoming turbid without congealing at 12° C; 10.4 F. , having an acid 
reaction, the odor of parsley, and a pungent taste. Sp. gr., 1.070. Solu- 
bility. — Easily in Alcohol, Ether, Chloroform, and Glacial Acetic Acid. 

Dose, 10 to 15 m ; .60 to 1.00 c.c, (in capsules.) 

Action and Uses of Apiol. 

Apiol in large doses acts as a cerebral and circulatory stim- 
ulant. It is useful in amenorrhoea, scanty menstruation and dys- 
menorrhcea when administered immediately before the expected 
period and these conditions are due to a want of ovarian activity ; 
that is, where direct emmenagogues are required.] 



GROUP XIII. 

Colchicum. 



[The sole value of this drug is that it is generally a specific for gout.] 
COLCHICUM. 

[COLCHICI RADIX.— Colchicum Root. The corm of Colchicum au- 
tumnale Linne (nat. ord. Liliacecc). Synonym. — Meadow Saffron. Habitat. 
— Southern and Central Europe. 

Characters. — About 25 mm. long, ovoid, flattish and with a groove on 
one side ; externally brownish and wrinkled ; internally white and solid ; often 
in transverse slices, reniform in shape, and breaking with a short, mealy frac- 
ture ; inodorous ; taste sweetish, bitter and somewhat acrid.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Colchicine, [C 22 H. 25 N0 6 , 
about 0.5 per cent., the active principle ; a bitter alkaloid, usually amorphous, 
but may be obtained in prismatic crystals, soluble in water and Alcohol, and 
Chloroform,] but changed by most acids into Colchiceine, [C 22 H 23 N0 6 .] (2) 



646 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Veratrine {see p. 444), in traces combined with Gallic Acid. (3) Starch. 
(4) Sugar. (5) Gum. 

Incompatibles. — All astringent preparations, tincture of iodine, and 
tincture of guaiacum. 

Dose, 2 to 8 gr. ; .12 to .50 gm.,] in powder. 

Preparations. 

[1. Extractum Colchici Radicis. — Extract of Colchicum Root. 
By maceration and percolation with Acetic Acid and Water, and evap- 
oration. 

Dose, y z to 2 gr. ; .03 to .12 gm. 

2. Extractum Colchici Radicis Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of 

Colchicum Root. By maceration and percolation with Alcohol and 
Water, and evaporation. 

Dose, 2 to 8 m. ; .12 to .50 c.c. 

5. Vinum Colchici Radicis. — Wine of Colchicum Root. Col- 
chicum Root, 400 ; by percolation with Alcohol, 150 ; and with White 
Wine to 1000. 

Dose, 5 to 15 m. ; .30 to 1.00 c.c] 

COLCHICI SEMEN.— Colchicum Seed. The seed of Colchicum 
autumnale [Linne (nat. ord. Liliacece). 

Characters. — Subglobular, about 2 mm. thick, very slightly pointed at 
the hilum; reddish brown, finely pitted, internally whitish; very hard and 
tough ; inodorous; taste bitter and somewhat acrid.] Resembling Colchicum 
seed. — Black mustard seed {see p. 524.) 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) The same as of the corm 
[root], but the proportion of the active alkaloid Colchicine is [smaller (0.3 
per cent.). (2) A fixed oil, 6 to 8 per cent.] 

Dose, 1 to 5 gr. ; [.06 to .30 gm.] 

Preparations. 

[1. Extractum Colchici Seminis Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of 
Colchicum Seed. By maceration and percolation with Alcohol and 
Water, and evaporation. 

Dose, 1 to 5 m. ; .06 to .30 c.c. 

2. Tinctura Colchici Seminis. — Tincture of Colchicum Seed. 
Colchicum Seed, 150 ; by maceration and percolation with Alcohol and 
Water to 1 000. 

Dose, 10 to 30 m. ; .60 to 2.00 c.c. 

3. Vinum Colchici Seminis. — Wine of Colchicum Seed. Col- 
chicum Seed, 150; by maceration with Alcohol, 150; and with White 
Wine to 1 000. 

Dose, 10 to 30 m. ; .60 to 2.00 c.c] 



colchicum. 647 

Action of Colchicum. 

External. — When applied to the skin colchicum acts as an 
irritant, causing hyperemia and smarting, and the dust inhaled 
gives rise to sneezing. 

Internal. — Gastro-intestinal tract. — In moderate medicinal 
doses colchicum produces no effect on most persons beyond 
slightly increasing the secretion of bile, but with others it causes 
loss of appetite, and a little purging, nausea and colic. In 
larger doses it gives rise, in all persons, to great abdominal pain, 
vomiting and profuse diarrhoea with the passage of blood. It is 
in fact a powerful gastro-intestinal irritant. There is also 
great prostration, the pulse becomes small, rapid, and thready, 
the skin cold and bedewed with sweat, and the respiration slow ; 
death is due to collapse. It is probable that these results are not, 
to any great extent, owing to the effect of colchicine on the heart 
or respiration, but that they are merely the consequence of the 
severe gastro- enteritis, which, it is well known, will cause fatal 
collapse. These effects are produced if colchicine is injected 
subcutaneously, a circumstance which shows that this alkaloid is 
an active principle of the drug, and that it is excreted into the 
intestine. It is a curious fact that after a certain point, increas- 
ing the quantity does not lead to an increase of the symptoms. 
In animals the action on the heart is not marked, but diarrhoea 
and vomiting are severe. 

Nervous system. — Medicinal doses have no effect. Even a 
fatal dose does not impair consciousness. Cold-blooded animals 
bear much larger proportionate doses than warm, but in all, after 
large quantities, sensation is paralyzed, and ultimately the spinal 
motor centres are powerfully depressed, death taking place from 
respiratory paralysis. Colchicine is said to act on muscles like 
veratrine. 

Kid?iey. — The most discordant statements have been made 
about the action of colchicum on the urine, but it has not been 
definitely shown that either the quantity or composition, even 
in the amount of uric acid, is altered. After death by poisoning, 
the alkaloid is found in the blood and in most of the organs of 
the body. 



648 ORGANIC MATERIA MED1CA. 

Therapeutics of Colchicum. 

Colchicum is hardly ever used except for gout. Given during 
the attack, it most markedly relieves the pain ; in smaller doses 
given between the attacks it diminishes their severity. It is often 
very useful for dyspepsia, eczema, headache, neuritis, conjuncti- 
vitis, bronchitis, and other conditions which, when occurring 
in those suffering from gout, are probably related to it. How 
it acts is not known. Occasionally it is combined with other 
cholagogues, especially if it is desired to give these remedies to a 
person who is the subject of gout. If any symptoms of gastric 
or intestinal irritation appear, its use must be discontinued for a 
time. As it is a cardiac depressant, those who take it should keep 
the bowels well open, lest it accumulate in the body. Hence it 
is commonly combined with magnesium sulphate. The seed is 
said to be [less] active than the conn. [A well-known formula 
is : extract of colchicum root, calomel, powdered aloes, pow- 
dered ipecacuanha, of each 1 gr., .06 gm., with )£ to j4 g r - \ 
.015 to .03 gm. of extract of nux vomica.] 



GROUP XIV. 

The Stearoptens. 

The three bodies in this group are white solids, all very closely related to 
volatile oils, all are antiseptic (two very powerfully so) and two at least, and 
probably all three, are local anaesthetics. 

Camphor, Thymol, Menthol. 

CAMPHORA. 

CAMPHOR. — \_Synonyms. — Gum Camphor, Laurel Camphor, C 10 H 16 O 
=151.66. A stearopten (having the nature of a ketone) obtained from Cin- 
namomum Camphora) (Linne) Nees et Ebermaier (nat. ord. Laurinece), and 
purified by sublimation. Habitat. — China and Japan. 

Source. — The branches and chipped wood are exposed to the vapors of 
boiling water, the volatilized Camphor is condensed, drained and pressed from 
the adherent volatile oil (Oil of Camphor), and subsequently refined by subli- 
mation in vessels of glass or iron. Camphor is now obtained by tapping the 
trees and collecting the exudation. 



THE STEAROPTENS. 649 

Characters. — White, translucent masses, of a tough consistence and a 
crystalline structure, readily pulverizable in the presence of a little Alcohol, 
Ether, or Chloroform, having a penetrating, characteristic odor, and a pun- 
gently aromatic taste. Sp. gr., 0.995. Burns with a smoky flame. Volatil- 
izes slowly at ordinary temperatures. Sublimes entirely when heated. Solu- 
bility. — Very sparingly soluble in water, but readily soluble in Alcohol, Ether, 
Chloroform, Carbon Disulphide, Benzin, and in fixed and volatile oils. When 
Camphor is triturated in about molecular proportions with Menthol, Thymol, 
Phenol, or Chloral hydrate, liquefaction ensues.] 

Composition. — Camphor is an oxidation product of Pinene {see Oil of Tur- 
pentine, [p. 515]), and may also be derived from Cymene found in Oil of Car- 
away [see p. 551] and Oil of Eucalyptus [see p. 527]. The [official] cam- 
phor is called Laurel Camphor, and is dextro-rotary. Borneol, known as 
Borneo, [Sumatra or Barus] Camphor, see p. 557, — is often in commerce sub- 
stituted for the official camphor, which it closely resembles, is derived from 
Dryobalanops [Camp/iora], and known from the official variety by sinking 
in water — is C 10 H 18 O ; that is to say, an alcohol. The common form of Borneol 
is dextro-rotary, but laevo-rotary and inactive varieties are known. 

[Camphor is contained in Linimentum Belladonnas, Linimentum Sinapis 
Compositum, Linimentum Saponis, Tinctura Opii Camphorata and Pulvis Mor- 
phinae Compositus.] 

Dose, 3 to 20 gr. ; [.20 to 1.20 gm.] 

Preparations. 

1. [Aqua Camphorae. — Camphor Water. Camphor, 8 ; by tri- 
turation with Alcohol, 5 ; and precipitated Calcium Phosphate, 5 ; ad- 
dition of Water, and filtration to 1000. 

Dose, y z to 2 fl. oz. ; 15. to 60. c.c. 

2. Linimentum Camphorae. — Camphor Liniment. Synonym. — 
Camphorated Oil. Camphor, 200 ; Cotton Seed Oil, 800. 

3. Spiritus Camphorae. — Spirit of Camphor. Camphor, 100 ; 
Alcohol to 1000. By solution and filtration. 

4. Ceratum Camphorae. — Camphor Cerate. Camphor Liniment, 
100; White Wax, 300 ; Lard, 600. 

CAMPHORA MONOBROMATA.— Monobromated Camphor, C 10 
H 15 BrO=230.42. 

Source. — By heating Bromine and Camphor, at 172 F. ; 77. 7 C, solu- 
tion in Benzin, and re-crystallization from hot Alcohol. C 10 H 16 O-j-2Br=C 10 
H 15 BrO-f-HBr. 

Characters. — Colorless, prismatic needles or scales, having a mild, 
camphoraceous odor and taste, permanent in the air, unaffected by light, and 



65O ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

neutral to litmus paper. Solubility. — Almost insoluble in water; freely solu- 
ble in Alcohol, Ether, Chloroform, hot Benzin, and fixed and volatile oils ; 
slightly soluble in Glycerin. It is also soluble without decomposition in cold, 
concentrated Sulphuric Acid, from which it separates again unaltered, when 
the solution is poured into water. 

Dose, 2 to 10 gr. ; .12 to .60 gm. 

ACIDUM CAMPHORICUM. (Not official.)— Camphoric Acid. 

c w u w i =1 99-44- 

Source. — From Camphor by oxidation with Nitric Acid. 

Characters. — White, acicular, odorless crystals having a faintly acid 
taste. Solubility. — Nearly insoluble in cold, readily soluble in hot water, 
Alcohol, Ether and oils. 

Dose, 10 to 30 gr. ; .60 to 2.00 gm.] 

Action of Camphor. 

External. — Camphor, although not a volatile oil, acts very 
much like one. Thus it is a direct cutaneous stimulant, dilating 
the vessels of the skin, and at first causing a sensation of 
warmth, but subsequently a slight degree of local anaesthesia. 
It is a feeble antiseptic. 

Internal. — Gastro-intesti7ial tract. — In the stomach it is 
mildly stimulant, dilating the vessels, increasing the flow of 
gastric juice and the peristalsis. Hence it is stomachic and car- 
minative. It has a slight reflex stimulating effect on the heart. 
In medicinal doses it has little action on the intestines. 

Absorption. — It is quickly absorbed, both from the intestines 
and the skin, and two bodies formed in the body from it are 
known. One, camphoral (one atom of H in camphor being re- 
placed by OH), combines with glycuronic acid and is excreted 
in the urine as campho-glycuronic acid. Another, an amido- 
derivative, is also found in the urine. 

Circulation. — It increases the number of leucocytes in the 
blood. To a slight extent the heart is excited directly by it in 
addition to the reflex stimulation just mentioned. And so the 
pulse becomes fuller and stronger ■ the rate is not much affected. 
The face may be flushed. 

Respiration. — Probably some camphor or some derivative 
from it is excreted by the bronchial mucous membrane, the vas- 



THE STEAROPTENS. 65 I 

cularity and secretion of which it consequently stimulates. It 
has the reputation of being a feeble expectorant. 

Skin. — It is a mild diaphoretic. This effect is believed to 
be due to the action of the drug on the central nervous system. 
Probably some of the camphor is excreted by the skin, for the 
sweat may smell of it. 

Nervous system. — Different people are differently susceptible 
to the effects of camphor. Five to ten grains [.30 to .60 gm.] 
will in some persons produce a feeling of exhilaration, or in 
others a sense of comfort and quietness. Larger doses cause 
excitement, giddiness, a slow pulse, and ultimately headache, 
burning pain in the stomach, faintness, confusion of ideas, de- 
lirium, violent convulsions, insensibility, a small, feeble pulse, 
and finally death from collapse. It is a mild antipyretic. 

Sexual organs. — Camphor is reputed to be an aphrodisiac, but 
this is probably incorrect. 

Therapeutics of Camphor. 

External. — Its stimulating effects make camphor a favorite 
ingredient of many liniments. It is constantly rubbed into the 
skin in some form or another as a mild irritant or counter-irritant 
in, for example, chronic rheumatism, chronic inflammatory indu- 
rations, and the slighter chest complaints of children ; and also 
in myalgia, neuralgia, lumbago, and sciatica, in which cases, be- 
cause of its property of causing local anaesthesia, it relieves pain. 
In addition to the pharmacopceial preparations, a Chloroformum 
Camphorae (camphor, 2, dissolved in chloroform, 1) may be 
used. The liquid preparations with chloral [hydrate,] carbolic 
acid, and thymol are excellent local anodynes for neuralgia, and 
may be dropped into a tooth to relieve toothache. 

Internal. — Camphor is used as a carminative, especially in 
neurotic subjects. It is a common remedy for a cold in the head, 
and is probably beneficial on account of its stimulation of the 
circulation and its slight antipyretic and diaphoretic effects. 
Many expectorant mixtures contain camphor. It has been given 
as an antispasmodic in hysteria and allied conditions, and some 
state that it is of use in cholera. [Monobromated Camphor re- 



652 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

sembles, but is not identical with, the bromides in its therapeu- 
tical action, being used as a nervous sedative. Camphoric acid 
is successfully administered for colliquative sweating, e.g. , that 
of pulmonary tuberculosis. The daily amount of from 15 to 75 
gr.; 1. to 5. gm., should be given in the evening in divided 
doses at short intervals, either dry upon the tongue or in starch 

wafers.] 

THYMOL. 

THYMOL.— C 10 H u O [=149. 66. A phenol (classified in the B. P. as a 
stearopten) occurring in the volatile oils of (1) Thymus vulgaris Linne, (2) 
Monarda punctata Linne (nat. ord. Labiates), and (3) Carum Ajowan (Rox- 
burgh) Bentham et Hooker (nat. ord. Umbellifercs). Habitat. — (1) Southern 
Europe • cultivated. (2) United States, west to Texas and Colorado ; in 
sandy fields. (3) India, Persia, Egypt. 

Source. — Thymol is separated from the terpenes in the volatile oils by 
fractional distillation, agitated with solution of Soda to remove more of the 
terpenes and cooled. The compound of Soda and Thymol is decomposed by 
Hydrochloric Acid, and Thymol is re-crystallized from an alcoholic solution. 

Characters. —Large, colorless, translucent crystals of the hexagonal sys- 
tem, having an aromatic, thyme-like odor, and a pungent, aromatic taste, with 
a very slight caustic effect upon the lips. Sp. gr. , as a solid, is 1. 069, but 
when liquefied by fusion it is lighter than water. When triturated with about 
equal quantities of Camphor, Menthol, or Chloral hydrate, it liquefies. Solu- 
bility. — Soluble in about 1200 parts of water, and in less than its own weight 
of Alcohol, Ether, or Chloroform ; also readily soluble in Carbon Disulphide, 
Glacial Acetic Acid, and in fixed or volatile oils. 

Impurities. — Paraffin, and spermaceti. 

Dose, 1 to 3 gr. ; .20 to 1.00 gm.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Thymol. 

Thymol is a more powerful antiseptic than carbolic acid, 
but its insolubility is a drawback. It has been used in antiseptic 
surgery. A saturated solution, thymol gauze, and thymol oint- 
ment are employed. It is non-irritating. It has considerable 
antiparasitic powers, and solutions in alcohol or ether (1 in 15) 
have been used in ringworm. A solution in glycerin (1 in 200) 
has been recommended for sore throat. A little alcohol is very 
useful for facilitating the aqueous solution of thymol. [The 
odor is likely to attract house flies.] Thymol in 30 gr.; [2. 
gm.] doses has been given as an anthelmintic for the Anchylos- 



THE STEAROPTENS. 653 

toma duodenale. After its administration the urine may become 
green. 

MENTHOL. 

MENTHOL.— C 10 H 19 OH[=I55. 66. A stearopten (having the char- 
acter of a secondary Alcohol), obtained from the official oil of peppermint 
(from Mentha piperita Smith), or from Japanese or Chinese oil of peppermint 
(from Mentha arvensis Linne, var. piperascens Holmes, and Mentha cana- 
densis Linne, var. glabrata Holmes ; nat. ord. Labiates). 

SOURCE. — By fractional distillation of the volatile oil and freezing the 
higher boiling product, and crystallization. 

Characters. — Colorless, acicular or prismatic crystals, having a strong 
and pure odor of peppermint, and a warm, aromatic taste, followed by a sen- 
sation of cold, when air is drawn into the mouth. Solubility. — Slightly solu- 
ble in water, but imparts to the latter its odor and taste. It is freely soluble in 
Alcohol, Ether, Chloroform, Carbon Disulphide, or glacial Acetic Acid. 
"When it is triturated with about an equal weight of Camphor, Thymol, or 
Chloral hydrate, the mixture becomes liquid.] 

Impurities. — Glass and magnesium sulphate. 

Dose, y z to 2 gr. ; [.03 to .12 gm,] 

Action and Therapeutics of Menthol. 

Menthol is chiefly employed externally, for it produces local 
anaesthesia, a feeling of coldness and numbness, and thereby al- 
leviates the pain of neuralgia, especially if it involves a super- 
ficial nerve. It is very efficacious in some cases. The solid 
menthol, [in the form of a cone,] may be drawn [over] the skin, 
or an alcoholic solution may be painted on, or a plaster ; [men- 
thol, 3 ; yellow wax, 1 ; resin, 1 5 ; spread upon rubber cloth] 
may be applied. In very hot weather this may be too fluid, and 
then more wax should be added. A solution made by heat with 
oleic acid [1 to 2.4] is an excellent preparation, and a good 
liniment is formed of menthol, 3 ; chloroform, 4 ; olive oil, 9. 
The local application often relieves itching. Menthol has been 
applied locally to carious teeth, and has been inhaled with ad- 
vantage [for the relief of the symptom] asthma. For teeth it is 
best rubbed up with an equal part of [pure carbolic acid], 
camphor or chloral hydrate. The oily liquid formed in either 
case may be put in the tooth. For [the symptom] asthma it is 
readily volatilized by the addition of hot water. Solutions of it 



654 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

have been painted upon the throat in diphtheria. A pigment 
of i to 4 in olive oil is employed for painting the larynx in 
tuberculous ulceration. [It has been used internally in small 
doses (to gr.; .006 gm.) to relieve nausea and vomiting.] It is 
a powerful antiseptic, and is excreted in the urine, rendering it 
aseptic and giving it a pleasant smell. Menthol should be pre- 
served in closed tin boxes. 



GROUP XV. 



Vegetable drugs acting by virtue of important acids 
they contain. 

Lemon juice (Citric Acid), Laurocerasus (Hydrocyanic Acid), Ben- 
zoin (Benzoic Acid), Chrysarobinum (Chrysophanic Acid), [Rhus Toxi- 
codendron (Toxicodendric Acid). Wild Cherry] {see p. 462) and Bitter 
Almond {see p. 612), both of which yield Hydrocyanic Acid, have already 
been considered. 

LEMON. 

LIMONIS CORTEX.— Lemon Peel. [The rind of the recent fruit of 
Citrus Limonum/Risso (nat. ord. Rutacecz). Habitat. — Northern India; cul- 
tivated in subtropical countries. 

Characters. — In narrow, thin bands or in elliptical segments, with very 
little of a spongy, white, inner layer adhering to them ; outer surface deep 
lemon-yellow, and ruggedly glandular ; odor fragrant ; taste aromatic and 
bitterish.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) The official oil, C 10 H 16 
{see below). (2) Hesperidin, [C 22 H 26 12 , a bitter principle. 

Lemon Peel is used in Spiritus Limonis. ] 

OLEUM LIMONIS.— Oil of Lemon. [A volatile oil obtained by 
expression from fresh Lemon Peel. 

Characters. — A pale yellow, limpid liquid, having the fragrant odor of 
lemon, and an aromatic, somewhat bitterish taste. Sp. gr., 0.858 to 0.859. 
Solubility. — In three times its volume of Alcohol ; also soluble, in all propor- 
tions, in absolute Alcohol, Carbon Disulphide, or glacial Acetic Acid. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) A terpene called Citrene, 
or Limonene, C 10 H 16 , 90 per cent., strongly dextro-rotary. This is also found 
in Orange Peel and Oil of Caraway. (2) Geranial or Citral, [C 10 H 16 O,] an 
aldehyde derived from Geraniol found in Oil of Rose {see p. 556). (3) Cit- 
ronellal, an aldehyde of the alcohol, Citronellol. 



VEGETABLE DRUGS ACTING BY THEIR ACIDS. 655 

\_Oil of Lemon is contained in Spiritus Ammonise Aromaticus, and Spiritus 
Aurantii Compositus. 

Preparation. 

Spiritus Limonis. — Spirit of Lemon. Synonym. — Essence of 
Lemon. Oil of Lemon, 50 • Lemon Peel, 50 • by maceration and fil- 
tration with Deodorized Alcohol to 1 000. 

Spirit of Lemon is contained in Syrupus Acidi Citrici. 

Dose, ^ to 2 fl. dr. ; 2. to 8. c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Lemon. 

The same as those of orange. The oil applied externally is 
rubefacient. 

LIMONIS SUCCUS. — Lemon Juice. The freshly expressed juice of 
the ripe fruit of Citrus Limonum [Risso (nat. ord. Rutacecz). 

Characters. — A slightly turbid, yellowish liquid, usually having an odor 
of lemon due to the accidental presence of some of the volatile oil of the rind. 
Taste acid, and often slightly bitter. Sp. gr., not less than 1. 030.] 

Composition. — Lemon juice contains — (1) Citric Acid [(H 3 C 6 H 5 7 -j- 
H 2 0), about 7 per cent.,] both free, and combined to form Potassium and 
other salts. (2) Malic Acid. (3) Phosphoric Acid. 

Dose, J^ to 2 fl. oz. ; [15. to 60. c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Lemon Juice. 

Lemon juice is used to relieve thirst, and to make effervescing 
mixtures and drinks. Its action in the body is the same as that 
of citric acid (see p. 266). Three or four ounces [90. or 120. 
c.c] of lemon juice daily are of great benefit in scurvy. Why 
this is we do not certainly know. Lemon juice is probably more 
efficacious than citric acid. 

LAUROCERASUS. 

CHERRY LAUREL. [B. P., not official.]— The fresh leaves of 
Prunus laurocerasus (nat. ord. Rosacece). \_Habitat. — Europe.] 

Characters. — Thick coriaceous, on short, strong petioles. Oblong or 
ovate, [12 to 16 cm.] long, tapering towards each end, recurved at the apex, 
distinctly but sharply serrated, dark-green, smooth and shining above, pale 
beneath. Prominent midrib with, on either side of it at the base, one or two 
granular depressions. Inodorous, except on bruising, when they emit a ratafia- 
like odor. 



656 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Laurocerasin, a gluco- 
side ; it is a compound of Amygdalin and Amygdalic Acid. (2) Emulsin. 
By the same changes as in the case with Bitter Almond {see p. 612), in the 
presence of moisture, an oil, [Hydrocyanic] Acid and Glucose are formed. 

Preparation. 

Aqua Laurocerasi. [B. P., not official. — Cherry Laurel Water.] 
Made by distillation and standardized so that its strength is o. I per 
cent, of absolute Hydrocyanic Acid. 

Incompatibles. — Metallic salts. 

Dose, y 2 to 2 fl. dr. ; [2. to 8. c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Cherry Laurel. 

Its action is the same as that of diluted hydrocyanic acid {see 
p. 134). Aqua laurocerasi is not often employed ; for owing to 
the volatilization of the [hydrocyanic] acid, its strength is not 
constant. It is used as a flavoring agent. 

BENZOINUM. 

BENZOIN. — Synonym. — Gum Benjamin. A balsamic resin obtained 
from Styrax Benzoin [Dryander (nat. ord. Slyracece). Habitat. — Sumatra, 
Java, probably also Siam. 

Characters. — In lumps consisting of agglutinated, yellowish-brown tears, 
which are internally milk-white, or in the form of a reddish-brown mass, 
more or less mottled from whitish tears imbedded in it. It is almost wholly 
soluble in 5 parts of moderately warm Alcohol, and in solutions of the fixed 
alkalies. When heated, it gives off fumes of Benzoic Acid. It has an agree- 
able, balsamic odor, and a slight, aromatic taste. Solubility. — In 5 parts of 
Alcohol] ; easily in Ether [or Solution of] Potassa. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Benzoic Acid {see p. 657), 
12 to 20 per cent. (2) Cinnamic Acid, C 9 H 8 2 , a trace. (3) Resin. (4) 
Volatile Oil. 

Preparations. 

1. Adeps [Benzoinatus. — Benzoinated Lard. Benzoin, 20; 
Lard, 1000 ; by melting and straining. 

2. Tinctura Benzoini. — Tincture of Benzoin. Benzoin, 200 ; 
by maceration and filtration with Alcohol to 1 000. 

Dose, ^ to 1 fl. dr. ; 2. to 4. c.c. 

3. Tinctura Benzoini Composita. — Compound Tincture of 
Benzoin. Synonym. — Friar's Balsam. Benzoin, 120; Storax, 80 j 



VEGETABLE DRUGS ACTING BY THEIR ACIDS. 657 

Balsam of Tolu, 40 ; Purified Aloes, 20 ; by digestion with Alcohol, 
and filtration to 1 000. 

Dose, J, to 1 A- dr. ; 2. to 4. c.c] 

ACIDUM BENZOICUM.— Benzoic Acid. HC 7 N 5 2 [=i 21.71]. 

Source. — From Benzoin by sublimation. [Toluene (toluol) is generally 
the source of this substance. 

Characters. — White, or yellowish-white, lustrous scales or friable 
needles, odorless, or having a slight, characteristic odor resembling that of 
Benzoin, and of a warm, acid taste ; somewhat volatile at a moderately warm 
temperature, and rendered darker by exposure to light. Solubility. — When 
pure, in about 500 parts of water, and in 2 parts of Alcohol. Also soluble in 
3 parts of Ether, 7 parts of Chloroform, and readily soluble in Carbon Disul- 
phide, Benzol, fixed and volatile oils, but sparingly soluble in Benzin. 

Benzoic Acid is contained in Tinctura Opii Camphorata. 

Dose, 5 to 15 gr. ; .30 to 1.00 gm.] 

AMMONII BENZOAS. — Ammonium Benzoate. NH 4 C r H 5 2 [= 
138.72. 

Source. — Dissolve Benzoic Acid in Water of Ammonia and distilled 
water, and evaporate, set aside to crystallize. HC 7 H 5 2 -(-NH 4 OH=NH 4 
C 7 H 5 2 -H 2 G. 

Characters. — Thin, white, four-sided, laminar crystals, odorless or hav- 
ing a slight odor of Benzoic Acid, a saline, bitter, afterwards slightly acrid 
taste, and gradually losing Ammonia on exposure to the air. Solubility. — In 
5 parts of water, and in 28 parts of Alcohol.] 

Incompatible^. — Ferric salts, Liquor Potassae, and acids. 

Dose, 5 to 20 gr. ; [.30 to 1.20 gm.] 

SODII BENZOAS.— [Sodium Benzoate. NaC 7 H 5 2 =i43.7i. 

Source. — Benzoic Acid is added to a hot concentrated solution of pure 
Sodium Carbonate, the solution is evaporated, cooled and allowed to crystal- 
lize. 2HC T H 5 2 -|-Xa,C03=2XaC T H 5 2 +C0 2 -fH 2 0. 

Characters. — A white, amorphous powder, odorless, or having a faint 
odor of Benzoin, and a sweetish, astringent taste ; permanent in the air. Solu- 
bility. — In 1.8 parts of water, and in 45 parts of Alcohol.] 

Dose, 5 to 60 gr. ; [.30 to 4. gm.] 

[LITHII BENZOAS.— Lithium Benzoate. LiC 7 H 5 2 =i27.72. 

Source. — By decomposing Lithium Carbonate with Benzoic Acid. 
Li,C0 3 +2HC 7 H 5 2 =2LiC-H 3 2 +C0 2 +H 2 0. 

Characters. — A light, white powder, or small, shining, crystalline 
scales ; odorless, or of faint benzoin-like odor, and of a cooling, sweetish taste; 
permanent in the air. Solubility. — In 4 parts of water, and in 12 parts of 
Alcohol. 

Dose, 5 to 20 gr. ; .30 to 1.20 gm.] 

42 



658 organic materia medica. 

Action of Benzoic Acid. 

So far as is known, the action of benzoic acid, its salts, and 
benzoin, is the same. We shall therefore here describe only the 
action of benzoic acid. 

External. — Benzoic acid is a powerful antiseptic. The 
growth of many forms of bacteria is completely inhibited by a 
solution of 1 in 1000. In a concentrated form it is a stimulant 
and irritant when applied to the skin. 

Internal. — The chief fact about the internal action of benzoic 
acid that has been worked out is that when it is given by the 
mouth, hippuric acid appears in the urine. This happens 
by combination with a molecule of glycocoll, HC 7 H 5 0. 2 -f C 2 H 5 
N0 2 =rC 9 H 9 N0 3 (hippuric acid)+ H 2 0. The source of the gly- 
cocoll is not known. The conversion takes place in the kidneys, 
for after giving large doses of benzoic acid, it alone can be found 
in the blood, and if the renal arteries are tied, no hippuric acid 
is formed, but if only the ureters are tied it is formed. Also 
benzoic acid has been successfully converted into hippuric acid 
by passing blood, containing benzoic acid, but no glycocoll, 
slowly through the kidneys removed directly after death. Fur- 
ther researches show that the conversion is probably effected 
by the renal cells. Hippuric acid has been found in the 
urine of new-born children when benzoic acid has been given 
to the mother shortly before delivery. If hippuric acid is given 
by the mouth benzoic acid is found in the blood, but hippuric 
[acid] reappears in the urine. The hippuric acid in the urine 
renders alkaline urine acid, and it stimulates and disinfects 
the urinary mucous membrane. Occasionally succinic as well as 
hippuric acid appears in the urine. 

Benzoic acid or some derivative of it is probably excreted in 
the bronchial secretion, for the bronchial mucous membrane is 
stimulated by the administration of benzoic acid, the mucus 
being increased in quantity and disinfected. The acid is there- 
fore expectorant. The same effects are brought about if the 
vapor of benzoic acid is inhaled. It is said also to be excreted 
by the skin and salivary glands, and thereby to increase their 
activity. It is slightly diuretic. Medicinal doses do not pro- 



VEGETABLE DRUGS ACTING BY THEIR ACIDS. 659 

duce any effect on the stomach, intestines, circulation, or nerv- 
ous system. 

Benzoic acid and its salts are antipyretic, and it is stated that 
they are even more powerful than salicylic acid. How they pro- 
duce a fall of temperature is not known. Metabolism is believed 
to be generally increased. Sodium and ammonium benzoate in- 
crease both the quantity and the solids of the bile. 

Therapeutics of Benzoic Acid. 

External. — Lint soaked in the compound tincture is a 
favorite dressing for wounds and sores of all sorts. Its chief 
advantage is the antiseptic power it possesses. Its stimulating 
effect is also valuable. Benzoinated lard is a common basis for 
ointments when it is wished that the active ingredient should be 
absorbed, for the lard melts on the body, especially if covered 
with a bandage ■ the benzoin prevents the decomposition of the 
lard. If the benzoin irritates, which it is likely to do if near the 
eye, 3 parts of oil of cloves or 2 of oil of gaultheria to [480 
parts] of lard makes a non-irritant basis which keeps indefinitely. 

Internal. — Lungs. — Benzoin, benzoic acid and its com- 
pounds are very commonly employed as stimulating, disinfecting 
expectorants in cases of bronchitis or phthisis in which the ex- 
pectoration is foul and scanty. The vapor from a mixture of a 
pint, [500 c.c] of water at 140 ¥., [6o° C] and a fluid drachm, 
[4, c.c] of compound tincture of benzoin is often inhaled for 
bronchitis and laryngitis. 

Urinary organs. — Benzoic acid is a most valuable drug for 
acidifying the alkaline decomposing urine which is formed in 
pyelitis and cystitis, and for stimulating and disinfecting the 
urinary tract in the same conditions. Ammonium benzoate is 
so much more soluble than* benzoic acid that it is to be pre- 
ferred to it. Spirit of chloroform covers the taste. It may with 
advantage be combined with the urinary sedatives, as tincture 
of hyoscyamus. The conversion to hippuric acid has been said 
not to take place when the kidney is diseased. 

Benzoic acid has been used in Germany instead of salicylic 
acid for rheumatic fever. 



660 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDIC A. 

CHRYSAROBINUM. 

CHRYSAROBIN. — [A neutral principle, in its commercial, more or 
less impure form, extracted from Goa or Araroba Powder, a substance found 
deposited in the wood of Andira Araroba Aguiar (nat. ord. Leguminosce). 
Habitat. — Brazil. 

Characters. — A pale, orange-yellow, microcrystalline powder, odorless 
and tasteless ; turning brownish-yellow on exposure to air. Solubility. — Very 
slightly soluble in cold water or Alcohol ; soluble in 33 parts of boiling Ben- 
zol, in Chloroform, and in solutions of the alkalies. 

Composition. — The chief constituent of Goa powder is Chrysarobin, 
C 27 H 30 O u .] Synonyms. — Rhein. Chrysophan {see p. 490). In the fresh 
plant it probably exists as a Glucoside, but this is slowly oxidized into Chryso- 
phanic Acid, C 15 H 10 O 4 , and glucose. 

Preparation. 

Unguentum Chrysarobini. — [Chrysarobin Ointment. Chrys- 
arobin, 5 ; Benzoinated Lard, 95.] 

Action of Chrysarobin. 

External. — It is a powerful irritant to the skin, which it 
stains yellowish brown. Linen is stained the same color. (The 
stain may be removed by a weak solution of caustic soda or 
chlorinated lime. ) It is antiparasitic. 

Internal. — It is cathartic and very irritating to the stomach 
and bowels, causing vomiting and purging. It is excreted by 
the kidneys, and stains the urine yellow. 

Therapeutics of Chrysarobin. 
It is used as an antiparasitic in ringworm, and to excite healthy 
inflammation in chronic cutaneous diseases, especially psoriasis 
and acne rosacea. A pigment (chrysarobin, 1; solution of 
gutta percha, 9 [solution of gutta percha is made by decantation 
of gutta percha, 1; lead carbonate, 1; chloroform, 9;]) is more 
cleanly than the ointment and does not stain the clothes. 
Chrysarobin has also been given internally for skin diseases, but 
as it is so irritating this practice is not advisable. 

[RHUS TOXICODENDRON. 

RHUS TOXICODENDRON.— Synonyms.— Poison Ivy. Poison 
Oak. The fresh leaves of Rhus radicans Linne (nat. ord. Anacardiece). 
Habitat. — North America, west to Wyoming and Texas ; in thickets. 



VEGETABLE DRUGS USED AS FLAVORING AGENTS. 66 1 

Characters. — Long-petiolate, trifoliolate ; the lateral leaflets sessile or 
nearly so, about io cm. long, obliquely ovate, pointed ; the terminal leaflets 
stalked, ovate or oval, pointed, with a wedge-shaped or rounded base ; the 
leaflets entire and glabrous, or variously notched, coarsely toothed, or lobed, 
more or less downy ; when dry, papery and brittle ; inodorous ; taste some- 
what astringent and acrid. Resembling Rhus Toxicodendron. — The leaves 
of Ptelea trifoliata, which are similar in appearance, but have all the leaflets 
sessile. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (i) Toxicodendric Acid, a vol- 
atile Acid. (2) Tannic Acid. (3) Fixed Oil. 

Dose, 1 to 5 gr. ; .06 to .30 gm. 

Action and Uses of Rhus Toxicodendron. 

The tincture of the fresh leaves (dose, t\> to 2 m.; .006 to 
.12 c.c.) has been used in paralysis, nocturnal incontinence of 
urine and cutaneous diseases ; but the remedy is dangerous and 
probably, an useless one, for these purposes. Largely diluted 
it has been used as a lotion for bruises and burns.] 



GROUP XVI. 

[Vegetable drugs only used as Flavoring Agents. 

Balm, Raspberry, Vanilla, Sage, Oil of Bay, Oil of Sesamum.] 
[MELISSA. 

MELISSA. — Synonym. — Balm. The leaves and tops of Melissa offici- 
nalis Linne (nat. ord. Labiate). Habitat. — Asia Minor, Southern Europe ; 
naturalized in the United States ; cultivated. 

Characters. — Leaves long, petiolate, ovate, obtuse, rounded or subcor- 
date at the base, crenate, somewhat hairy, glandular; branches quadrangular ; 
flowers in about four-flowered cymules, with a tubular, bell- shaped, five- 
toothed calyx, a whitish or purplish bilabiate corolla, and four stamens ; 
fragrant, aromatic ; somewhat astringent and bitterish. 

Composition. — (1) Volatile Oil, % per cent. (2) Tannic Acid. (3) 
Bitter principle. 

Dose, 1 to 2 dr. ; 4. to 8. gm. 

Uses of Balm. 
Balm is used as a flavoring agent. 



662 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

RUBUS IDiEUS. 

RASPBERRY.— The fruit of Rubus idatus Linne (nat. ord. Rosacea:). 
Habitat. — Europe and Asia ; cultivated. 

Characters. — Deprived of the conical receptacle, and therefore hollow 
at the base ; hemispherical, red, finely hairy, composed of from twenty to 
thirty coalesced, small drupes, each one crowned with the withered style ; 
juice red ; of an agreeable odor, and a pleasant, acidulous taste. 

Composition. — (i) Volatile oil, a trace. (2) Citric and Malic Acids. 
(3) Sugar, about 5 per cent. (4) Pectin. 

Preparation. 

Syrupus Rubi Idaei. — Syrup of Raspberry. Fresh ripe raspberries 
(filtered juice), 40; Sugar, 60. 
Dose, indefinite. 

Uses of Raspberry. 
Raspberry syrup is used chiefly as a flavoring agent. 

VANILLA. 

VANILLA. — The fruit of Vanilla planifolia Andrews (nat. ord. Or- 
chidece). Habitat. — Eastern Mexico, in hot, damp woods ; cultivated in the 
tropics. 

Characters. — From 15 to 25 cm. long, and about 8 mm. thick, linear, 
narrowed and bent or hooked at the base, rather oblique at the apex, wrinkled, 
somewhat warty, dark brown, glossy-leathery, one-celled, and containing a 
blackish-brown pulp, with numerous, minute seeds, and more or less acicular 
crystals ; odor and taste peculiar, fragrant. 

Composition. — Its chief constituents are — Vanillin, C 8 H 8 3 , a crystal- 
line principle, 1. 7 to 2.75 per cent., which develops upon the ripening of the 
pod. (2) Fixed Oil, II per cent. (3) Resin. (4) Sugar. (5) Mucilage. 
Vanillin is the Aldehyde of Methylprotocatechuic Acid ; and can be prepared 
artificially from Coniferin, Carbolic Acid, Guaiacol and Eugenol, C 10 H 12 O 2 , 
the last being found in Oil of Cloves {see p. 534). 

Preparation. 

Tinctura Vanillae. — Tincture of Vanilla. Vanilla, 100 ; Sugar, 
200 ; by maceration with Alcohol and Water to 1 000. 
Dose, as flavoring agent. 

Uses of Vanilla. 
Vanilla is used solely as a flavoring agent. 



VEGETABLE DRUGS USED AS FLAVORING AGENTS. 663 

SALVIA. 

SALVIA. — Synonym. — Sage. The leaves of Salvia officinalis Linne 
(nat. ord. Labiate). Habitat — Southern Europe ; cultivated. 

Characters. — About 5 cm. long, petiolate, ovate-oblong, obtuse or sub- 
acute at the apex, rounded or somewhat heart-shaped at the base, finely crenu- 
late, thickish, wrinkled, grayish- green, soft-hairy and glandular beneath ; odor 
aromatic ; taste aromatic, bitterish, and somewhat astringent. 

Composition. — It contains — (1) A volatile oil, containing Salviol, C 10 
H I8 0, Cineol and Pinene. (2) Resin. (3) Tannic acid. 

Dose, }( to 1 dr. ; 1. to 4. gm. 

Action and Uses of Sage. 

It is used chiefly as a condiment, and it is said to be beneficial 
in checking the perspiration of hectic fever. 

OLEUM MYRCIA. 

OIL OF MYRCIA.— Synonym.— Oil of Bay. A volatile oil distilled 
from the leaves of Myrcia acris De Candolle (nat. ord. Myrtacece). Habitat. 
— West Indies. 

Characters. — A yellow or brownish-yellow liquid, having an aromatic, 
somewhat clove-like odor, and a pungent, spicy taste. Sp. gr. , 0.975 to 
0.990. Solubility. — With an equal amount of Alcohol, glacial Acetic Acid, 
or Carbon Disulphide, it yields slightly turbid solutions. 

Preparation. 
Spiritus Myrciae. — Spirit of Myrcia. Synonym. — Bay Rum. Oil 
of Myrcia, 16 ; Oil of Orange Peel, I ; Oil of Pimenta, I ; Alcohol, 
1 220 ; Water to 2000. 

Uses of Myrcia. 

Oil of myrcia is used solely as a perfume. Bay rum is used 
as a refrigerant lotion. 

OLEUM SESAMI. 

OIL OF SESAMUM.— Synonyms.— Sesame Oil. Teel Oil. Benne 
Oil. A fixed oil expressed from the seed of Sesamum indicum Linne (nat. 
ord. Pedaliacetz). Habitat. — India; cultivated. 

Characters.— A yellowish or yellow, oily liquid, inodorous or nearly so, 
and having a bland, nut-like taste. Sp. gr., 0.919 to 0.923. 

Uses of Oil of Sesamum. 
Benne oil is used in preparing hair oil.] 



664 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

GROUP XVII. 

Vegetable drugs used only as coloring agents. 

Saffron, Red Saunders. 
CROCUS. 

SAFFRON. — [The stigmas of Crocus sativus Linne (nat. ord. Iridece). 
Habitat. — Western Asia ; cultivated in Spain and France. 

Characters. — Separate stigmas, or three, attached to the top of the 
style, about 3 cm. long, flattish-tubular, almost thread-like, broader and 
notched above ; orange-brown ; odor strong, peculiar, aromatic; taste bitterish 
and aromatic] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Polychroite, [C a H 70 O 28 , 
an amorphous, brown-yellow Glucoside, soluble in Alcohol and water, splitting 
into Sugar {Crocose), and red Crocetin, (formerly called Crocin), C 34 H 46 9 , 
soluble in Ether and Alcohol. (2) Picrocrocin, C 38 H 66 17 , in colorless, bitter 
needles, readily soluble in Alcohol and water. (3) A volatile oil, C 10 H 16 , I 
per cent. (4) Fixed oil.] 

Impurities. — Marigold, saffron petals, chalk, and oil. 

Dose, 5 to 30 gr. ; [.30 to 2.00 gm.] 

Preparation. 
Tinctura Croci. — [Tincture of Saffron. Saffron, 100 ; by macer- 
ation and percolation with Diluted Alcohol to 1 000. 
Dose, 1 to 2 fl. dr. ; 4. to 8. c.c] 

Uses of Saffron. 
Saffron is only used to color [pharmaceutical] preparations, but 

it is expensive. 

SANTALUM RUBRUM. 

[RED SAUNDERS. — The wood of Pterocarpus sanialinus Linne 
Alius (nat. ord. Legumitiosce). Habitat. — Madras ; cultivated. 

Characters. — A -hard, heavy, dark reddish-brown, coarsely splintery 
wood, deprived of the light-colored sap-wood ; usually met with in chips, or 
as a coarse, irregular, brownish-red powder, nearly inodorous and nearly taste- 
less.] Resembling Red Saunders. — Logwood, which is less dense. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — [(1) Santa/in, C 15 H u 5 , in 
red needles. (2) Santa/, C 8 H 6 3 , in colorless scales. (3) Pterocarpin, 
C 20 H 16 O 6 . (4) Homopterocarpin, C 24 H 24 6 , in colorless crystals. ] 

Red Saunders is contained in Tinctura Lavandulae Composita. 

Uses of Red Saunders. 
Red Saunders is used to color preparations, [but is of no value 
medicinally.] 



SUBSTANCES WHOSE ACTION IS MECHANICAL. 665 

GROUP XVIII. 

Vegetable substances whose action is mechanical. 

Cotton, [Pyroxylin, Cotton Seed Oil], Oil of Theobroma, [Mastic], 
India-rubber, Starcb, Lycopodium, Quillaja. 

GOSSYPIUM [PURIFICATUM. 

PURIFIED COTTON. — Synonym.— Absorbent Cotton. The hairs 
of the seed of Gossypium herbaceum Linne, and of other species of Gos- 
sypium (nat. ord. l\falvace<z) , freed from adhering impurities, and deprived of 
fatty matter. Habitat. — Tropical Asia and Africa; cultivated in tropical and 
subtropical countries. 

Characters. — White, soft, fine filaments, appearing under the micro- 
scope as hollow, flattened and twisted bands, spirally striate, and slightly thick- 
ened at the edges ; inodorous and tasteless ; insoluble in ordinary solvents, but 
soluble in Copper Ammonium Sulphate solution.] 

PYROXYLINUM.— Pyroxylin. Synonyms.— Gun Cotton. [Soluble 
Gun Cotton. Calloxylin. Purified Cotton, 100 ; is immersed in a mixture of 
Sulphuric, 2200 ; and Nitric Acids, 1400 ; washed with a large quantity of 
Water, drained and dried. 

Preparations. 

1. Collodium. — Collodion. Pyroxylin, 30; dissolved in Ether, 
750 ; and Alcohol, 250. 

2. Collodium Flexile. — Flexible Collodion. . Collodion, 920 ; 
Canada Turpentine, 50 ; Castor Oil, 30. 

3. Collodium Cantharidatum. — Cantharidal Collodion. Syn- 
onym. — Blistering Collodion. Cantharides, 60 ; by percolation with 
Chloroform, evaporation and solution of residue in Flexible Collodium, 
85. 

4. Collodium Stypticum. — See Tannic Acid, p. 593-] 

Action and Therapeutics. 

The uses of cotton are well known. Cotton, lint and gauze 
are frequently medicated, e.g., Sal Alembroth, 2 per cent. ; 
Boric Acid, 5 or 10 per cent. • Salicylic Acid, 5 per cent. ; 
Carbolic Acid, 5 per cent. ; Iodoform, 5, 10 and 50 per cent. 

Pyroxylin is only used to make collodion. Collodion, when 
'painted on the skin, rapidly dries from evaporation of the ether, 



666 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

and covers the skin with a thin protective film. Flexible collo- 
dion has the same properties, but it does not crack, as collodion 
often does. These preparations are protective to small wounds, 
and are used after slight operations. If the end of the urethra 
or prepuce is closed at night with collodion, nocturnal inconti- 
nence may sometimes be cured. 

[OLEUM GOSSYPII SEMINIS. 

COTTON SEED OIL.— A fixed oil expressed from the seed of 
Gossypium herbaceum Linne, and other species of Gossypium (nat. ord. Mal- 
vacece), and subsequently purified. Habitat. — -Asia and Africa ; cultivated. 

Characters. — A pale yellow, oily liquid, without odor, and having a 
bland, nut-like taste and neutral reaction. Sp. gr., 0.920 to 0.930. Solu- 
bility. — Slighly soluble in Alcohol, but readily soluble in Ether, Chloroform, 
or Carbon Disulphide. 

Composition. — (I) Olein. (2) Palmitin. (3) Coloring matter. 

Cotton Seed Oil is used in Linimentum Ammoniae and Linimentum Cam- 
phorae. 

Action and Uses of Cotton Seed Oil. 

This is used simply as a bland, nutritious oil, and in lini- 
ments.] 

OLEUM THEOBROMATIS. 

OIL OF THEOBROMA.-%o«jw.-Cacao Butter. [A fixed oil 
expressed from the seed of Theobroma Cacao Linne (nat. ord. Sterculiacece). 
Habitat. — South America. 

Characters. — A yellowish-white solid, having a faint, agreeable odor, 
and a bland, chocolate- like taste. Sp. gr., 0.970 to 0.980. Solubility. — 
Readily in Ether or Chloroform; also soluble in 100 parts of Alcohol. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Stearin. (2) Olein. (3) 
Theobromine, an alkaloid, C 7 H 8 N 4 2 . (4) Formic, Acetic and Butyric Acid 
Glycerides.] 

Uses of Oil of Theobroma. 

Oil of theobroma is used to make suppositories, [and as a 
source of stearic acid. It is also used by inunction to improve 
the nutrition of the body.] 

[MASTICHE. 

MASTIC. — A concrete resinous exudation from Pistacia Lentiscus Linne 
(nat. ord. Anacardiece). Habitat. — Mediterranean basin. 

Characters. — Globular or elongated tears, of about the size of a pea, 
sometimes covered with a whitish dust, pale yellow, transparent, having a 



SUBSTANCES WHOSE ACTION IS MECHANICAL. 667 

glass-like lustre and an opalescent refraction ; brittle ; becoming plastic when 
chewed ; of a weak, somewhat balsamic, resinous odor, and a mild terebin- 
thinate taste. Solubility. — Completely in Ether, and, for the most part, solu- 
ble in Alcohol. Resembling Mastic. — Acacia, which is larger, rougher, and 
more opaque. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) A resin, C 20 H 32 O 2 , Mas- 
tichic Acid, 90 per cent.; soluble in Alcohol. (2) Masticin, a resin, insolu- 
ble in Alcohol. (3) Volatile oil, C 10 H 16 , I to 2 per cent. 

Impurity. — Sandarac. 

Preparation. 

Pilulae Aloes et Mastiches. — See Aloes, p. 498. 

Action and Uses of Mastic. 

Mastic is a mild stimulant, mostly used as a masticatory, for 
filling decayed teeth, and for cements and varnishes. 

ELASTICA. 

INDIA-RUBBER. — Synonym. — Caoutchouc. The prepared milk- 
juice of various species of Hevea (nat. ord. Euphorbiacecc), known in com- 
merce as Para Rubber. Habitat. — In tropical countries. 

Characters. — In cakes, balls, or hollow, bottle-shaped pieces, externally 
brown to brownish-black, internally brownish or of lighter tint ; very elastic. 
Solubility. — Insoluble in water, diluted acids, or diluted solutions of alkalies; 
soluble in Chloroform, Carbon Disulphide, Oil of Turpentine, Benzin, and 
Benzol. When heated to about 257 F. ; 125 C, it melts, remaining soft 
and adhesive after cooling. Odor faint, peculiar ; nearly tasteless. 

Composition. — (1) A solid Hydrocarbon, C 20 H 32 . (2) Fat. (3) Vola- 
tile oil. (4) Coloring matters. On combining it with 10 per cent, of Sulphur, 
Vulcanized Rubber is obtained ; with 50 per cent., and hardening by pressure 
Vulcanite or Ebonite is produced. 

Uses of India-Rubber. 

India-rubber is used for making plasters, bougies, pessaries, 
and syringes.] 

AMYLUM. 

STARCH. — [The fecula of the seed of Zea Mays Linne (nat. ord. Gra- 
minecz). Habitat. — Tropical Asia and Africa ; cultivated in tropical and sub- 
tropical countries. 

Characters. — In irregular, angular masses, which are easily reduced to 
a fine powder ; white, inodorous, and tasteless; insoluble in Ether, Alcohol, 
or cold water. Under the microscope appearing as granules, nearly uniform 



668 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

in size, more or less angular in outline, with indistinct striae and with a distinct 
hilum near the centre. 

Composition. — Its ultimate composition is C 6 H 10 O 5 , but it consists of a 
mixture of various modifications of Starch-cellulose and Starch-granulose.] 

P)'eparation. 
[Glyceritum Amyli. — See Glycerin, p. 609.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Starch. 

Starch is chiefly employed for its mechanical properties, on 
account of which it is used as a basis for dusting powders and 
insufflations. The glycerite is a basis for suppositories. The 
mucilage (1 to 40 of water, gradually added and then boiled 
and stirred for a few minutes) is a basis for ointments, and may- 
be used to suspend insoluble powders or oils ; it is very [conve- 
nient] as a basis for enemata, but does not keep well and is 
therefore not suitable as a vehicle for a mixture. 

LYCOPODIUM. 

LYCOPODIUM.— [6)';^//j;^.— Vegetable Sulphur. Club Moss. The 
spores of Lycopodium clavatui?i Linne, and of other species of Lycopodium 
(nat. ord. Lycopodiacece). Habitat. — Europe, Asia, and North America, in 
dry woods. 

Characters. — A fine powder, pale yellowish, very mobile, inodorous, 
tasteless, floating upon water and not wetted by it, but sinking on being boiled 
with it, and burning quickly when thrown into a flame. Under the micro- 
scope the spores are seen to be sphaero-tetrahedral, the surfaces marked with 
recticulated ridges, and the edges beset with short projections. 

Composition. — (1) Fixed oil, 47 to 49 per cent. (2) Cane Sugar, 2 per 
cent. (3) A volatile base, MethylamiJic, in minute quantities. 

Impurities. — Pollen, starch and sand.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Lycopodium. 
Lycopodium has a great power of absorbing oils and oleo- 
resins. It is excellent as a basis of pills, especially as it protects 
hygroscopic substances, for it is powerfully repellant to water. 
It is useful as a dusting powder, and also as a basis for insuffla- 
tions. 

QUILLAJA. 

QUILLAJA. — Sy7ionyms. — [Panama Bark. Soap Bark. The inner 
bark of Quillaja Saponaria Molina (nat. ord. Rosacece). Habitat. — Chili and 
Peru. 



VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES ACTING ON METABOLISM. 

Characters. — Flat, large pieces, about 5 mm - thick ; outer surface 
brownish-white, often with small patches of brown cork attached, otherwise 
smooth ; inner surface whitish, smooth ; fracture splintery, checkered with 
pale, brownish bast fibres, imbedded in white tissue ; inodorous ; taste per- 
sistently acrid ; the dust very sternutatory. ] 

Composition. — (1) Saponin, about 9 per cent., [{see p. 448) a mixture of 
the Glucosides, Quillaic Acid, C 19 H 30 O 10 , and Sapotoxin, C 17 H 26 O 10 .] 

Dose, i*( to yi dr. ; [1. to 2. gm.] 

Preparation. 

Tinctura Quillajae. — [Tincture of Quillaja. Quillaja, 200 ; by 
boiling with Water, straining and washing, addition of Alcohol, 350 ; 
filtration and addition of Water to 1 000. 

Dose, y 2 to 2 fl. dr.; 2. to 8. c.c] 

Action and Uses of Quillaja. 

The tincture of quillaja, on account of its soapy nature, is 
largely employed to make a lather for shampooing, and may be 
used to aid the diffusion of oils and other insoluble bodies, but 
the fact that it contains the active body saponin is an objection 
to its employment for emulsifying medicines for internal ad- 
ministration. On the other hand, because of the saponin, it 
might probably be used more largely as an expectorant. Those 
who have employed it speak very favorably of it, especially in 
cases in which the object is to promote free expectoration of 
mucus which is accumulating in the chest. 



GROUP XIX. 



Vegetable substances [acting on Metabolism]. 

/ 

Guaiacum [Xanthoxylum], Sarsaparilla, [Menispermum, Stillingia, 
Lappa,] Sassafras, Hemidesmus, [Calendula, Scutellaria,' — 
Tonga], Bael Fruit, Oleum Gynocardise. 

GUAIACUM. 

GUAIACI LIGNUM. — Guaiacum Wood. Synonym. — Lignum vitse. 
The heart-wool of Guaiacum officinale [Linne, and of Guaiacum sanctum 
Linne (nat. ord. Zygophyllece). Habitat. — West Indies, North and South 
America. 



67O ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Characters. — Heavier than water, hard, brown or greenish -brown, resin- 
ous, marked with irregular, concentrated circles, surrounded by a yellowish 
alburnum, splitting irregularly ; when heated, emitting a balsamic odor ; taste 
slightly acrid. Guaiacum Wood is generally used in the form of raspings or 
turnings, which should be greenish-brown, containing few particles of a 
whitish color, and should acquire a dark bluish-green color on the addition of 
Nitric Acid.] 

Composition. — The principal constituent is the Resin [see below), 20 to 
25 per cent. 

\_Guaiacum Wood is used to make Decoctum Sarsaparillse Compositum.] 

Dose, % to 1 dr. ; [1. to 4. gm.] 

GUAIACI RESINA.— Guaiac. [Synonym.— Gum Guaiac. The resin 
of the wood of Guaiaczim officinale Linne (nat. ord. Zygophylle<z). 

Source. — By melting the resin of the heartwood by fire. 

Characters. — In irregular masses, or subglobular pieces, externally green- 
ish-brown, internally of a glassy lustre, and, in recent Guaiac, usually reddish- 
brown, transparent in thin splinters, fusible, feebly aromatic, the odor becom- 
ing stronger in heating ; taste somewhat acrid ; powder grayish, turning green 
on exposure to air. ] Guaiacum Resin on dry distillation yields Cresol and 
Guaiacol, also found in Creosote {see p. 334). Resembling Guaiacum Resin. 
— Myrrh, Scammony, Benzoin, Aloes, and Resin, but these have no greenish 
tinge. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are three resins — (1) Guaia conic 
Acid, C 19 H 20 O 5 (70 per cent.). (2) Guaiacic Acid, resembling Benzoic Acid. 
(3) Guaiaretic Acid, [C 20 H 26 O 4 (about 10 per cent.).] These are insoluble 
in water, soluble in alkalies, but precipitated on neutralization. 

Incompatibles. — Mineral acids and spirit of nitrous ether. 

[Guaiac Resin is contained in Pilulse Antimonii Compositae.] 

Dose, 5 to 30 gr. ; [.30 to 2.00 gm.] 

Preparatioits. 

[1. Tinctura Guaiaci. — Tincture of Guaiac. Guaiac, 200. By 
maceration with Alcohol, and filtration to 1000. 
Dose, % to 1 fi. dr. ; 2. to 4. c.c] 

2. Tinctura Guaiaci Ammoniata. — [Ammoniated Tincture of 
Guaiac. Guaiac, 200 ; by maceration with Aromatic Spirit of Ammo- 
nia, and filtration to 1000. 

Dose, y 2 to 1 fl. dr. ; 2. to 4. c.c] 

Action of Guaiac. 

External. — [The tincture of guaiac is used for the detection 
of blood stains.] 



VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES ACTING ON METABOLISM. 6/1 

Internal. — Guaiacum resin gives rise to an acrid feeling in 
the throat and a sensation of heat in the epigastrium. It in- 
creases the secretions and movements of the intestine and 
stomach. Large doses are gastro-intestinal irritants, causing 
vomiting and purging. It reflexly stimulates the heart. 

Therapeutics of Guaiac. 

Internal. — Guaiacum resin is so [disagreeable] and its value 
so doubtful that it is rarely ordered. It is used empirically, 
sometimes successfully, for chronic sore throat, especially if the 
subject has had syphilis. Lozenges (13 gr. [.20 gm.] of the 
resin with a fruit basis) are preferred. The mixture [B. P., 
Guaiacum resin, 6 ; sugar, 6 ; tragacanth, 1 ; cinnamon water, 
240; dose, ^2 to 1 n. oz., 15. to 30. c.c] is said to be a more 
efficacious preparation than that of the tincture. Thirty grains 
[2. gm.] of the powder itself may be placed on the back of the 
throat and swallowed. Guaiacum is a mild purgative, and it has 
been given as a pill in chronic constipation ; this property ac- 
counts for its presence in compound [cathartic] pills. Lately it 
has been strongly recommended by Garrod as a means of ward- 
ing off attacks of gout. For this purpose 12 gr., [.75 gm.] of 
the powdered resin may be taken in a cachet for an indefinite 
period, even several years. It is well to follow it by a draught 
of effervescent lithium citrate. It was formerly employed in 
chronic rheumatism. 

[XANTHOXYLON. 

XANTHOXYLON.— .W/m;/.— Prickly Ash Bark. The bark of Xa?t- 
thoxyliiiyi americamim Miller, and of Xanthoxyln?n Clava-Herculis Linne 
(nat. ord. Rutacece). Habitat. — North America. 

Characters. — Xanthoxyhtm americamim (Northern Prickly Ash) is in 
curved or quilled fragments, about I mm. thick ; outer surface brownish gray, 
with whitish patches, and minute, black dots, faintly furrowed, with some 
brown, glossy, straight, two-edged spines, linear at the base, and about 5 mm. 
long ; inner surface whitish, smooth ; fracture short, non-fibrous, green in the 
outer and yellowish in the inner layer ; inodorous ; taste bitterish, very pun- 
gent. 

Xanthoxylum Clava-Herculis (Southern Prickly Ash) resembles the pre- 
ceding, but is about 2 mm. thick, and is marked by many conical, corky pro- 
jections, sometimes 2 cm. high, and by stout, brown spines, rising from a 



672 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

corky base. Resembling Xanthoxylum. — Aralia spinosa, which, is nearly 
smooth externally, and beset with slender prickles in transverse rows. 

Composition. — It contains— (1) An acrid, green oil. (2) A resin, crys- 
talline, white and tasteless. (3) An acrid, soft resin. (4) A bitter substance, 
probably an alkaloid. (5) Tannic acid, in small quantity. 

Dose, 10 to 30 gr. ; .60 to 2.00 gm. 

Preparation. 
Extractum Xanthoxyli Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Xanthoxy- 
lum. By maceration and percolation with Alcohol, and evaporation. 
Dose, 10 to 30 m. ; .60 to 2.00 c.c. 

Action and Uses of Prickly Ash Bark. 

Xanthoxylum has about the same action as guaiac. It pro- 
duces, when swallowed, a sensation of heat. It enjoys some 
reputation as a remedy for chronic rheumatism, and has been 
used in syphilis and chronic hepatic disorders. For patients 
suffering from chronic syphilis who do not tolerate either mer- 
cury or the iodides, McDade's formula may be employed. This 
is equal parts of the fluid extracts of sarsaparilla, stillingia, lappa, 
Phytolacca root and tincture of xanthoxylon. The dose is from 
1 to 4 fl. dr., 4. to 15. c.c, thrice daily. The bark, used as a 
masticatory, is a popular remedy for tooth-ache.] 

SARSAPARILLA. 

SARSAPARILLA. — [The root of Smilax officinalis Kunth, Smilax 
medica Chamisso et Schlechtendal, Smilax papyracea Duhamel, and of other 
undetermined species of Smilax (nat. ord. Liliacea?). Habitat. — Tropical 
America, from Mexico to Brazil. 

Characters. — About 4 or 5 mm. thick, very long, cylindrical, longitudi- 
nally wrinkled, externally grayish-brown or orange-brown ; internally showing 
a whitish and mealy, or somewhat horny, cortical layer, surrounding a circular 
wood-zone, the latter enclosing a broad pith ; nearly inodorous ; taste mucila- 
ginous, bitter, and acrid.] Resembling Sarsaparilla. — Senega, which is 
twisted and keeled ; Hemidesmus, which is cracked transversely. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Parillin [also named 
Smilacin, Parillinic Acid and Pariglin, about 0.2 per cent., an acrid gluco- 
side, soluble in hot water and Alcohol, insoluble in Ether], closely resembling 
Saponin. (2) Resin. (3) Trace of a Volatile Oil. [(4) Calcium Oxalate 
and other salts. ] 

Incompatibles. — Alkalies. 

Dose, ]/ 2 to 1 dr. ; [2. to 4. gm.] 



VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES ACTING ON METABOLISM. 673 

Preparations. 

1. [Decoctum Sarsaparillae Compositum. — Compound Decoction 
of Sarsaparilla. Sarsaparilla, 1 00; Sassafras, 20; Guaiacum Wood, 
20; Glycyrrhiza, 20 ; Mezereum, 10. By boiling, maceration in Water 
and straining to 1000. 

Dose, 1 to 4 fl. oz. ; 30. to 120. c.c. 

2. Extractum Sarsaparillae Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Sar- 
saparilla. By maceration and percolation with Alcohol and Water, and 
evaporation. 

Dose, y z to 1 fl. dr. ; 2. to 4. c.c. 

3. Extractum Sarsaparillae Fluidum Compositum. — Com- 
pound Fluid Extract of Sarsaparilla. Sarsaparilla, 750 ; Glycyrrhiza, 
120; Sassafras, loo; Mezereum, 30. By maceration and percolation 
in Glycerin, Alcohol and Water, and evaporation, to 1 000. 

Dose, y 2 to 1 fl. dr. ; 2. to 4. c.c. 

4. Syrupus Sarsaparillae Compositus. — Compound Syrup of 
Sarsaparilla. Fluid Extract of Sarsaparilla, 200 ; Fluid Extract of 
Glycyrrhiza, 15 ; Fluid Extract of Senna, 15 ; Oil of Sassafras, T L • Oil 
of Anise, J ff ; Oil of Gaultheria, -L ; Sugar, 650. By mixing, filtering, 
dissolving the Sugar, and straining with Water to 1000. 

Dose, y z to 1 fl. oz. ; 15. to 30. c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Sarsaparilla. 

Sarsaparilla is not known to have any physiological action. 
It is never given alone, therefore we are ignorant of its therapeu- 
tical effects. Probably it has none. 

[MENISPERMUM. 

MENISPERMUM.— Canadian Moonseed. Synonym.— Yellow Par- 
ilia. The rhizome and roots of Menisper7mim canadense Linne (nat. ord. 
Menisper?nace(z). Habitat. — North America, in moist thickets. 

Characters. — Rhizome several feet long, about 5 mm. thick, brown or 
yellowish-brown, somewhat knotty, finely wrinkled, longitudinally and beset 
with numerous thin, rather brittle roots ; fracture tough, woody ; internally 
yellowish, the bark rather thick, the wood rays broad, porous, and longest on 
the lower side ; pith distinct ; nearly inodorous ; taste bitter. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Menispine, a white alka- 
loid, insoluble in Benzol and alkalies. (2) Berberine {see p. 640). (3) 
Tannic acid. (4) Resin. 

Dose, 5 to 30 gr. ; .30 to 2.00 gm. 

43 



674 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Preparation. 

Extractum Menispermi Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Menisper- 
mum. By maceration and percolation with Alcohol and water, and 
evaporation. 

Dose, 5 to 30 m. ; .30 to 2.00 c.c. 

Action and Uses of Canadian Moonseed. 
The action and uses of menispermum are similar to those of 

sarsaparilla. 

STILLINGIA. 

STIL.LINGIA.— Synonyms.— Queen's Root. Queen's Delight. The 
root of Slillingia sylvatica Linne (nat. ord. Euphorbiacece). Habitat. — South- 
ern United States, in sandy soil. 

Characters. — About 30 cm. long, and nearly 5 cm. thick, subcylindri- 
cal, slightly branched, compact, wrinkled, tough, grayish-brown, breaking with 
a fibrous fracture, showing a thick bark and porous wood, the inner bark and 
medullary rays having numerous yellowish-brown resin-cells ; odor peculiar, 
unpleasant ; taste bitter, acrid, and pungent. 

Composition. — (1) Sylvacrol, an acrid resin, soluble in Alcohol and 
Chloroform^ (2) Probably a glucoside. (3) Resin. (4) Volatile Oil. (5) 
Tannic Acid. 



Preparation. 
Extractum Stillingiae Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Stillingia. 
By maceration and percolation with Diluted Alcohol, and evaporation. 
Dose, ]l to 1 fl. dr. ; 1. to 4. c.c. 

Action and Uses of Stillingia. 

Stillingia is in large doses emetic and cathartic, but in smaller 

ones, alterative. It is a valuable remedy in syphilis and in the 

cutaneous and hepatic diseases which are benefited by so-called 

alterative medicines. 

LAPPA. 

LAPPA. — Sytionym. — Burdock. The root of Arctium Lappa Linne 
and some other species of Arctium (nat. ord. Composites). Habitat. — Europe 
and Northern Asia ; naturalized in North America, in waste places. 

Characters. — About 30 cm. or more long, and in its thickest portion, 
from I to 2 cm. thick ; nearly simple, fusiform, fleshy, longitudinally wrinkled, 
crowned with a tuft of whitish, soft, hairy leaf-stalks ; grayish-brown, inter- 
nally paler ; fracture somewhat horny ; bark rather thick, the inner part and 
the wood radially striate, the parenchyma free from starch, — often with cavi- 



VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES ACTING ON METABOLISM. 675 

ties lined with white remains of tissue ; odor feeble and unpleasant ; taste 
mucilaginous, sweetish and somewhat bitter. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Possibly a glucoside. (2) 
Inulin. (3) Resin. (4) Tannic Acid, in small quantity. 

Dose, ^ to 1 dr. ; 2. to 4. gm. 

Preparation. 

Extractum Lappae Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Lappa. By 
maceration and percolation with Diluted Alcohol, and evaporation. 
Dose, y 2 to 1 fl. dr. ; 2. to 4. c.c. 

Action and Uses of Burdock. 
Burdock is considered to be a diuretic and a diaphoretic alter- 
ative. It has been recommended in the treatment of various 
chronic skin diseases, especially in psoriasis and acne.] 

SASSAFRAS. 

SASSAFRAS. — [The bark of the root of Sassafras variifolium (Salis- 
bury) O. Kuntze (nat. ord. Laurinece). Habitat. — North America from 
Eastern Texas and Kansas eastward to Florida and Ontario ; in woods. 

CHARACTERS. — In irregular fragments, deprived of the gray, corky layer, 
bright rust-brown, soft, fragile, with a short, corky fracture ; the inner surface 
smooth ; strongly fragrant; taste sweetish, aromatic, and somewhat astringent. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) A volatile oil {see below), 
about 5 per cent. (2) Sassafrid, a peculiar decomposition product of Tannic 
Acid. (3) Resin. (4) Tannic Acid.] 

Sassafras is contained in [Decoctum Sarsaparillae Compositum, and Ex- 
tractum Sarsaparillae Fluidum Compositum. 

Dose, }{ to 1 dr. ; [1. to 4. gm.] 

[SASSAFRAS MEDULLA.— Sassafras Pith. The pith of Sassafras 
variifolium (Salisbury) O. Kuntze (nat. ord. Lanrinece). 

Characters. — In slender, cylindrical pieces, often curved or coiled, 
light, spongy, white, inodorous and insipid. Macerated in water it forms a 
mucilaginous liquid, which is not precipitated on the addition of Alcohol. 

Preparation. 
Mucilago Sassafras Medullae. — Mucilage of Sassafras Pith. 
Sassafras Pith, 2 ; Water, 100. By maceration and straining. 
Dose, freely. 

OLEUM SASSAFRAS.— Oil of Sassafras. A volatile oil distilled 
from Sassafras. 

Characters. — A yellowish or reddish-yellow liquid, having the charac- 
teristic odor of Sassafras without the odor of Camphor, and a warm, aromatic 



6j6 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

taste. It becomes darker and thicker by age and exposure to the air. Sp. gr., 
1.070 to 1.090. Solubility. — Soluble, in all proportions in Alcohol, in Glacial 
Acetic Acid, and in Carbon Disulphide. 

Oil of Sassafras is contained in Syrupus Sarsaparilbe Compositus. 

Dose, 1 to 5 m. ; .06 to .30 c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Sassafras. 

The external and internal action of sassafras is, so far as is 
known, the same as that of volatile oils generally. [The mucilage 
is somewhat stimulant in its action, and is an excellent vehicle.] 

HEMIDESMUS. 

HEMIDESMUS. [B. P., not official.]— The dried root of Hemides- 
mus Indictis (nat. ord. Asclepiadacece). Synonym. — Indian Sarsaparilla. 
\_Habitat. — India. ] 

Characters. — Cylindrical, twisted, longitudinally furrowed ; [15. cm.] 
long ; their yellowish-brown corky layer easily separable from the rest of the 
bark, which is annularly cracked. Odor fragrant, taste sweetish, slightly 
acid. Resembling Hemidesmus. — Sarsaparilla, Ipecacuanha, and Senega, but 
they have no cracks. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) [Coumarin] (2) Hemi- 
desmine. (3) Tannic Acid. 

Preparation. 

Syrupus Hemidesmi. [B. P., not official. — Syrup of Hemi- 
desmus]. Hemidesmus, 4 ; Sugar, 28 ; Boiling Water, 16. 
Dose, y 2 to 1 fl. dr. ; [2. to 4. c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Indian Sarsaparilla. 

Hemidesmus is used chiefly in India, and for the same pur- 
poses as sarsaparilla. It is doubtful whether it has any particular 
action. The syrup may be given as a flavoring agent. 

[CALENDULA. 

CALENDULA. — Synonym.— Marigold. The florets of Calendula 
officinalis Linne (nat. ord. Composites). Habitat. — Levant and Southern 
Europe ; cultivated. 

Characters. — Florets about 12 mm. long, linear and strap-shaped, deli- 
cately veined in a longitudinal direction, yellow or orange-colored, three- 
toothed above, the short hairy tube enclosing the remnants of a filiform style 
terminating in two elongated branches ; odor slight and somewhat heavy ; 
taste somewhat bitter and faintly saline. 



VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES ACTING ON METABOLISM. 6 J J 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (i) A peculiar principle, 
Calendulin, which is regarded as analogous to Bassorin. (2) An amorphous 
bitter principle. (3) Gum. 

Dose, 15 to 60 gr. ; 1. to 4. gm. 

Preparation. 

Tinctura Calendulse. — Tincture of Calendula. Calendula, 200. 
By maceration and percolation with Alcohol to 1000. 
Dose, 1 to 4 fl. dr. ; 4. to 15. c.c. 

Action and Uses of Marigold. 
Marigold was formerly supposed to be antispasmodic, sudo- 
rific and emmenagogue, but now it is believed to have no thera- 
peutic value. 

SCUTELLARIA. 

SCUTELLARIA.— Synonym.— Skullcap. The herb of Scutellaria 
lateriflora Linne (nat. ord. Labiatce). Habitat. — North America ; west to 
Alabama, New Mexico and Oregon, in damp thickets. 

Characters. — About 50 cm. long, smooth ; stem quadrangular, branched ; 
leaves opposite, petiolate, about 5 cm. long, ovate-lanceolate or ovate-oblong, 
serrate ; flowers in axillary, one-sided racemes, with a pale blue corolla, and 
bilabiate calyx, closed in fruit, the upper lip helmet-shaped ; odor slight ; taste 
bitterish. 

Composition. — (1) A bitterish principle. (2) Volatile oil, a trace. 

Dose, 1 to 2 dr. ; 4. to 8. gm. 

Preparation. 

Extractum Scutellariae Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Scutel- 
laria. By maceration and percolation with Diluted Alcohol and evap- 
oration. 

Dose, 1 to 2 fl. dr. ; 4. to 8. c.c. 

Uses of Scutellaria. 

Scutellaria has little medicinal effect. It is used as a nervous 
sedative ; formerly it was given in decoction for epilepsy. 

TONGA. 

TONGA. — The bark of Raphidorphora vitiensis (nat. ord. Aracece) and 
Pre?nna iaitensis (nat. ord. Verbenacea). Habitat. — Fiji Islands. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Tongine, a volatile alka- 
loid. (2) A volatile oil. 

Dose, ^ to 1 dr. ; 1. to 4. gm. 



6yS ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Action and Therapeutics of Tonga. 

Tonga as a fluid extract; dose, j^_ to i fl. dr. ; i. to 4. c.c., 
undoubtedly relieves some cases of intractable neuralgia. Com- 
bined with salicylates it is of great value for the treatment of so- 
called muscular rheumatism. In large doses it is purgative.] 

BELiE FRUCTUS. 

BAEL FRUIT.— [B. P., not official.]— The dried half-ripe fruit of 
sEgle marmelos (nat. ord. Rutacecv). [Habitat.} — Malabar and Coromandel. 

Characters. — Roundish fruit the size of a large orange, usually imported 
in fragments of the hard, woody rind, with adherent dried pulp and seeds. 

Composition. -[Tannic Acid in small quantity. 

Preparation, not official. 

Extractum Belae Liquidum. — Fluid Extract of Bael' Fruit. 
Bael Fruit, 16; water, 17. 

Dose, 1 to 2 fl. dr. ; 4. to 8. c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Bael Fruit. 

The imported bael fruit is probably useless. In India the ex- 
tract of the fresh fruit is used for the treatment of diarrhoea and 
dysentery. It contains but little tannic acid, and its mode of 
action is not known. 

OLEUM GYNOCARDIiE. 

CHAULMOOGRA OIL.— [Not official.]— The expressed oil from the 
seed of Gynocardia odorata (nat. ord. Bixinea). \_Habitat. — East India.] 

Characters. — [This is a whitish substance which is solid at 107 F., 
42 C, and is of an acid reaction. Sp. gr., at above temperature, 0.930.] 
Solubility. — In ether, chloroform, and alcohol. 

Composition. — Chiefly Gynocardic Acid, [C u H 24 2 ,] a yellowish oily 
body with a burning taste. 

Dose, 5 to 20 m. ; [.30 to 1.20 c.c] in capsules. 

Action and Uses of Chaulmoogra Oil. 

Chaulmoogra oil has been much used in leprosy, for the bacilli 
present in the blood have diminished in number during its ad- 
ministration, but it does not cure the disease. An ointment (3 
to 8 of lanolin) has been used as a stimulant in chronic eczema 



ANIMAL DRUGS ACTING ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 679 

and psoriasis. [It has been largely employed as a local applica- 
tion for bruises, sprains and stiffness by athletes.] 

Section II.— PHARMACOPOEIA!, SUBSTANCES DERIVED FROM 
THE ANIMAL KINGDOM. 

[The drugs in this section which act similarly will be grouped together. 
In Appendix II. a list of these drugs, arranged according to their Natural 
Orders, will be found.] 

GROUP I. 

[Animal Drugs acting chiefly on the Nervous System.] 
MOSCHUS. 

MUSK. — The dried secretion from the preputial follicles of Moschus 
moschiferus [Linne (class Mammalia j order Ruminantia). Habitat. — 
Central Asia. 

Characters. — In irregular, crumbly somewhat unctuous grains, dark 
reddish-brown, having a peculiar, penetrating and persistent odor, and a bitter- 
ish taste. It is contained in oval or roundish sacs about 4 to 5 cm. in diam- 
eter, on one side invested with a smoothish membrane, on the other side 
covered with stiff, appressed, grayish hairs, concentrically arranged around two 
orifices near the centre. Solubility. — About 10 per cent, of Musk is soluble in 
Alcohol, the tincture being light brownish-yellow, and on the addition of 
water becoming slightly turbid. About 50 per cent, of Musk is soluble in 
water, the solution being deep brown, faintly acid, and strongly odorous. 

Composition. — (1) Ammonia. (2) An acid. (3) Cholesterin. (4) Fats 
and Oils. (5) Wax. (6) Gelatinous and albuminous principles. The odor- 
iferous principle has not been isolated,] but it is probably a product of decom- 
position, being constantly formed ; complete drying destroys the odor, but it 
returns after water is added. 

Impurities, — Dried blood, [resin, lead and other substances.] 

Dose, 2 to 10 gr. ; [.12 to .60 gm.] 

Preparation. 

[Tinctura Moschi. — Tincture of Musk. Musk, 50; Alcohol, 
450 ; Water, 450 ; by maceration and filtration with Diluted Alcohol, 
to 1000. 

Dose, %. to 1 fl. dr. ; 1. to 4. c.c] 

Action of Musk. 

Musk is a very powerful diffusible stimulant, especially to 
the heart and nervous system. It also stimulates the respiratory 



68o ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

centre. How it acts is not known. Occasionally it produces 
headache and nausea. 

Therapeutics of Musk. 

It has been used, and apparently with great success, in the 
collapse and prostration of long continued severe diseases, such 
as typhoid fever and pneumonia. Various functional nervous 
diseases, as hysteria, are occasionally treated with it. Its high 
price limits its use. It is usually given as a pill. 



GROUP II. 

[Animal Purgatives. 

Oxgall and Honey.] 

FEL BOVIS. 



[OXGALL. — Synonym. — Fel Tauri. The fresh bile of Bos Taurus 
Linne (class Mammalia ; order Ruminantia). Habitat. — Domesticated. 

Characters. — A brownish-green or dark-green, somewhat viscid liquid, 
having a peculiar, unpleasant odor, and a disagreeable, bitter taste. Sp. gr., 
1.018 to 1 028.] 

Dose, 5 to 15 gr. ; [.30 to 1.00 gm.] 

Preparation. 

[Fel Bovis Purificatum. — Purified Oxgall. 

Source. — Evaporate Oxgall, 300, to 100; add Alcohol, 100. 
Decant, filter, and after distillation of the Alcohol, evaporate. 

Characters. — A yellowish-green, soft solid, having a peculiar 
odor, and a partly sweet and partly bitter taste. Solubility. — Very 
soluble in water and in Alcohol. 

Dose, 5 to 15 gr. ; .30 to 1.00 gm.] 

Action of Oxgall. 

[Oxgall when added to albuminous solutions delays their de- 
composition. It aids in the absorption of fats. If given by the 
mouth it is mostly absorbed from the intestine and acts as a chol- 
agogue.] 



ANIMAL PURGATIVES. 68 I 

Therapeutics of Oxgall. 

Oxgall has been used as a cholagogue purgative in cases of 
constipation, in which the pale color of the fseces indicates a 
deficient secretion of bile. [It has also been used as an anti- 
septic in typhoid fever and in intestinal fermentation.] An 
enema of twenty grains [1.20 gm.] or more dissolved in an 
ounce or two [30. to 60. c.c] of water is very useful in case of 
impacted faeces, in which the rectum is so full that there is not 
sufficient room for a larger enema. [One to two ounces ; 30. to 
60. gm. of oxgall in a pint; 500 c.c, of water would be much 
more likely to be successful. According to Fraser bile has some 
antitoxic power with reference to the poisons produced by patho- 
genic micro-organisms.] 

MEL. 

[HONEY. — A saccharine secretion deposited in the honey-comb by Apis 
mellijica Linne (class Insecia ; order Hymenoptera). Habitat. — Domesti- 
cated. 

Characters. — A syrupy liquid of a light yellowish to pale yellowish- 
brown color, translucent when fresh, but gradually becoming opaque and 
crystalline, having a characteristic, aromatic odor, and a sweet, faintly acrid 
taste. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Dextrose or Grape Sugar. 
(2) Glucose or Fruit Sugar. (3) Wax. (4) Volatile oil. (5) Formic Acid, 
a minute quantity. ] 

Preparation. 
Mel Despumatum. — Clarified Honey. Melt Honey in a water- 
bath, and strain while hot, adding 5 per cent, of Glycerin. 

Clarified Honey is contained in Confectio Rosse and Mel Rosee. 
[Dose, freely.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Honey. 

Honey is a demulcent, relieving dryness of the mouth and 
facilitating swallowing. Oxymel, [clarified honey 8, acetic acid 
1, water 1], is a useful preparation. It is a common ingredient 
of cough mixtures. Honey is a mild laxative, and may be given 
to children for this purpose. 



682 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

GROUP III. 

[Animal Digestants. 

Pepsin and Pancreatin.] 

PEPSINUM. 

• PEPSIN. — [A proteolytic ferment or enzyme obtained from the glandular 
layer of fresh stomachs from healthy pigs, (Sus scrofa Linne ; class Mam- 
malia ; order Pachydermata}, and capable of digesting not less than 3000 
times its own weight of freshly coagulated and disintegrated egg albumin. 
Habitat. — Domesticated. 

Source. — The mucous membrane of a pig's stomach, dissected off and 
finely chopped, is macerated in water acidulated with Hydrochloric Acid for 
several days, with frequent stirring. The strained liquor is decanted and So- 
dium Chloride mixed with it. After several hours the floating mixture is 
skimmed from the surface and placed in cotton cloth to drain, and finally sub- 
mitted to strong pressure to get rid of the saline solution. 

Characters. — A fine white, or yellowish- white, amorphous powder, or 
thin, pale yellow or yellowish, transparent or translucent grains or scales, free 
from any offensive odor, and having a mildly acidulous or slightly saline taste, 
usually followed by a suggestion of bitterness. It slowly attracts moisture 
when exposed to the air. Solubility. — Soluble, or for the most part soluble, in 
about 100 parts of water, with more or less opalescence ; more soluble in water 
acidulated with Hydrochloric Acid ; insoluble in Alcohol, Ether or Chloroform. 

Dose, 5 to 60 gr. ; .30 to 4.00 gm. 

Preparation. 

Pepsinum Saccharatum. — Saccharated Pepsin. Pepsin, 10 ; 
Sugar of Milk, 90. By trituration. Saccharated Pepsin should digest 
300 times its own weight of freshly coagulated and disintegrated egg 
albumin. 

Dose, 5 to 60 gr. ; .30 to 4.00 gm.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Pepsin. 

Pepsin may be given to help gastric digestion in those in 
whom from old age or long illness the secretion of gastric juice 
is deficient. Thus, for example, it is useful in convalescence 
from acute illness or in cases of cancer of the stomach. It is of 
no use as an aid to the digestion of fatty or carbo-hydrate food. 
It should be given in a powder or a pill directly after meals, and 
should be followed in about half an hour by a dose of hydro- 



ANIMAL DIGESTANTS. 683 

chloric acid. The pepsin should be tested before use, as many 
preparations in the market are inert powders. 

Pepsin may be used to predigest albuminous food, either for 
administration by the mouth or the rectum. Often this is better 
than giving pepsin internally, for morbid processes' may be going 
on in the stomach which prevent digestion. The rectum has 
very feeble powers of digestion, and therefore nutrient enemata 
or suppositories should always be predigested. It is found that 
for predigestion pancreatin (see below) is usually a more reliable 
preparation than pepsin. Both should be employed with judg- 
ment, for there is a likelihood that if artificial digestion be used 
too long, the digestive functions of the stomach may [become 
incapable of action] from want of use. 

The following directions for peptonizing meat may be fol- 
lowed. Take one pound [450. gm.] of lean meat, reduce to a 
fine pulp, add six times its weight of water containing 0.2 per 
cent, of hydrochloric acid and i2ogr. [8. gm.] of pepsin. Di- 
gest at 120 F. [48. ° C] in a porcelain digester for five or six 
hours with frequent stirring. Then neutralize with sodium car- 
bonate, boil and filter. Evaporate the filtrate on a water bath 
till it is of the consistency of a soft extract. 

Peptonized meat suppositories are often very valuable. To 
make one suppository 30 gr. [2. gm.] of the above extract is 
mixed with 40 gr. [2.40 gm.] of oil of theobroma, and moulded 
in a conical mould. 

[PANCREATINUM. 

PANCREATIN. — Synonym. — Zymine. A mixture of the enzymes 
naturally existing in the pancreas of warm-blooded animals, usually obtained 
from the fresh pancreas of healthy pigs {Sus scrofa Linne ; class Ma?)imalia ; 
order Pachydermatd). Habitat. — Domesticated. 

Source. — Macerate the cut-up pancreas in water acidulated with Hydro- 
chloric Acid for forty-eight hours, add a saturated solution of Sodium Chloride, 
allow to stand until the Pancreatin rises to the surface ; skim this, drain in 
a muslin filter, wash with a less concentrated solution of salt until nearly dry ; 
then rub up with Sugar of Milk, dry thoroughly without heat, and dilute with 
Sugar of Milk, until 10 gr. ; .60 gm. , will just emulsify 2 fl. dr. ; 8. c. c. of Cod 
Liver Oil. 

Characters. — A yellowish, yellowish-white, or grayish, amorphous 



684 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

powder, odorless, or having a faint, peculiar, not unpleasant odor, and a some- 
what meat-like taste. Solubility. — Slowly and almost completely soluble in 
water, insoluble in Alcohol. 

Dose, 5 to 15 gr. ; .30 to 1.00 gm.] 

Action and Uses of Pancreatin. 

Pancreatin has the power of converting starch into sugar, al- 
bumin and fibrin into peptones, and first curdling and then pep- 
tonizing milk. It will not act in an acid medium nor above 
140 F. [6o° C.]. The directions for peptonizing milk are 
given on p. 68S. [It is used as an artificial agent to assist the 
digestion of invalids and of old persons, or those prostrated by 
fever or exhaustion. Also by means of this, food may be par- 
tially or wholly digested previous to administration. It should 
be used in combination with an alkali, as sodium bicarbonate, 
in the proportion of 1 to 4. Nutritive enemata should be 
thoroughly pancreatized.] 



GROUP IV. 

[Animal Drugs which are also Foods. 

Cod Liver Oil, Milk, Extract of Meat.] 
OLEUM MORRHU^. 

COD LIVER OIL. — Synonym. — [Oleum Jecoris Aselli. A fixed oil 
obtained from fresh livers of Gadus Morrhua Linne, and of other species of 
Gadus (class Pisces: order Teleostia ; family Gadida.) Habitat. — North 
Atlantic Ocean. An oil obtained from the Candle fish ( Thaleichthys Pacificus) 
is found in the markets under the name of Eulachon Oil and is sometimes sold 
as Cod Liver Oil. 

Source. — The fresh livers are slowly heated, and the oil is decanted from 
the water, and sometimes deprived of the solid fat by partial freezing. 

Characters. — A pale yellow, thin, oily liquid, having a peculiar, slightly 
fishy, but not rancid odor, and a bland, slightly fishy taste. Sp. gr., 0.920 to 
0.925. Solubility. — Scarcely soluble in Alcohol, but readily soluble in Ether, 
Chloroform, or Carbon Disulphide ; also in 2.5 parts of Acetic Ether. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Olein, 70 per cent., which 
is a fluid fixed oil, and is Glycerin Oleate the most abundant constituent of 
Cod Liver Oil. (2) Palmitin, with some Stearin, 25 per cent. (3) Free 



ANIMAL DRUGS WHICH ARE ALSO FOODS. 685 

fatty acids, as Oleic, Palmitic, Stearic. (4) Gachn'n, C 35 H 46 9 , a peculiar 
principle, very insoluble in ordinary menstrua. (5) Morrhuol, a crystalline 
substance of uncertain composition, containing Phosphorus, Iodine and Bro- 
mine. (6) Traces of Iodine and Bromine. (7) Biliary principles. The so- 
called alkaloids of Cod Liver Oil are decomposition products, ptomaines or 
cadaveric alkaloids, and are found in larger quantities in the brown oils. Their 
existence in fresh oil obtained from healthy livers has not been demonstrated.] 
Dose, 1 to 4 fl. dr. ; [4. to 15. ex.] 

Action of Cod Liver Oil. 

External. — Cod liver oil is a bland unirritating oil. If it is 
desired to administer it in cases in which it is rejected by the 
stomach, it may be rubbed into the skin. The oil is certainly 
absorbed when applied in this way. 

Internal. — Gastro-intestinal tract. — Cod liver oil, even more 
than other oils, is liable to cause indigestion, nausea, and sick- 
ness. Large doses may set up diarrhoea. It is more readily 
absorbed than other oils. Loops of intestine have been isolated 
in the lower animals, and into each loop different oils have been 
injected. The intestines are returned to the abdominal cavity, 
and after some time the animal is killed and the loops are 
opened. It is always found that the cod liver oil has been more 
rapidly absorbed than any other oil. The facility with which 
cod liver oil is absorbed is also shown by the fact that it often 
cannot be recognized in the faeces, although equal quantities of 
other oils taken by the mouth are passed unaltered. Some 
authorities believe that the superior absorbability of cod liver oil 
depends on the biliary principles contained in it, but this is 
doubtful ; others think that it is because the presence of free 
acids facilitates saponification and emulsion. Certainly it con- 
tains more free fatty acids than other oils, and it also emulsifies 
much more easily. 

Tissues. — Not only is cod liver oil more readily absorbed than 
other oils, but it is a better food. All oils lead to an increased 
formation of fat, but cod liver oil is the most powerful in this 
respect. It reduces the color of a solution of potassium per- 
manganate more readily than other oils — that is to say, it is more 
readily oxidized. Thus, as it is more easily absorbed and more 



686 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

easily oxidized, we have a partial explanation of its peculiar value 
in increasing the weight of the body ; but the general belief is 
that these two facts do not wholly explain the action of cod liver 
oil, and that it has some peculiar specific action not yet under- 
stood, especially upon those suffering from phthisis for whom it 
is a very valuable drug. [If it is true, as has been stated, that 
iodine may occur in the proportion of i to 2000 of the oil, the 
influence of this remedy is not to be ignored.] 

Therapeutics of Cod Liver Oil. 

External. — The smell of cod liver oil is so disagreeable that 
it should not be rubbed in externally unless this treatment be 
absolutely necessary. 

Internal. — Cod liver oil is of the greatest service in all varie- 
ties of tuberculous disease, the contra-indications being high 
temperature, severe haemoptysis and dyspepsia, vomiting, or 
diarrhoea, whether primary or induced by the oil. Patients 
often improve in every way under its influence. With the same 
exceptions it may be administered with great advantage in 
rickets, and in any chronic disease associated with loss of flesh, 
such as suppuration, convalescence from acute disease, tertiary 
syphilis and starvation. It is often of benefit in the chronic 
'bronchitis and the chronic eczema of childhood. It is frequently 
given with success in neuralgia, general feebleness, despondency 
and other nervous conditions. Formerly it was often prescribed 
for chronic rheumatism. Many persons cannot, or imagine they 
cannot, take it on account of its [unpleasant] taste. There are 
in the market several preparations of cod liver oil in which, by 
careful preparation, the disagreeable taste is almost abolished. 
Ten minims [.60 c.c] of pure ether, with a [minim] or two [.06 
to .12 c.c] of oil of peppermint or cloves, will, when mixed 
with a dose of cod liver oil, often render it more palatable. 
Sometimes it is taken in [soft] capsules, or made into a jelly with 
isinglass, or a little salt is put into the mouth after the oil is 
taken, or the mouth is rinsed out with brandy beforehand. 
Sometimes it is taken in coffee, but perhaps the best way is to 
form an emulsion of it. A very nutritious one is made by rub- 



ANIMAL DRUGS WHICH ARE ALSO FOODS. 687 

bing together equal parts of [extract of malt] and cod liver oil, 
and in this the oil can hardly be tasted [but it is likely to re- 
peat. ] 

The British Pharmaceutical Conference advises the following 
emulsion : — Cod liver oil, 8 fl. oz. [240. c.c.]; the yolk of two 
eggs; tragacanth in powder, 16 gr. [1. gm.]; elixir of [saccharin 
(saccharin,] 24 gr.; [1.50 gm.] ; sodium bicarbonate, 12 gr. 
[.75 gm.] ; alcohol, 1 fl. dr. [4. c.c.]; distilled water, 7 fl. dr. 
[28. c.c.]), 1 fl. dr. [4. c.c.]; tincture of benzoin, 1 fl. dr.; 
[4, c.c.]; spirit of chloroform, 4 fl. dr. ; [15. c.c.]; oil of bitter 
almond, 8 m. ; [.50 c.c.]; distilled water to 16 fl. oz.; [500. 
c.c.]. Dose, 2 to 8 fl. dr.; [8. to 30. c.c.]. It is frequently 
desirable to give cod liver oil with iron. In that case the fol- 
lowing preparation, in which the oil is emulsified with an alkali, 
will be found useful : — Cod liver oil, 4 fl. dr.; [15. c.c] ; iron 
and ammonium citrate, 5 gr.; [.30 gm.]; potassium carbonate, 
3 gr.; [.20 gm. ; saccharin,] j^ gr. [.015 gm.]; oil of caraway, 
y± m. ; [.015 c.c] ; water to 1 fl. oz. ; [30. c.c]. 

LAC. 

[MILK.— Not official.— The fresh milk of the cow, Bos Taurus. (Ord. 
Ruminantia. ) Habitat. — Domesticated. ] 

ARTIFICIAL HUMAN MILK.— (Not official.) 

Preparation. — Take half a pint [240. c.c] of skimmed milk; heat it 
to about 96 F. ; [35-5° C. ] and put into the warmed milk a piece of rennet 
an inch [2.5 cm.] square, or a teaspoonful [4. c.c] of essence of rennet. 
Put the milk in a fender, or over a lamp, until it is quite warm. As soon as it is 
set, remove the rennet, break up the curd into small pieces with a knife, and 
let it stand for ten or fifteen minutes; the curd will then sink. Then pour 
the whey into a saucepan and boil quickly. Measure one-third of a pint [160. 
c.c] of this whey, and dissolve in it, while it is hot, no gr. [7. gm.] of Sugar 
of Milk. When this third of a pint [160. c.c] of whey is cold, add to it two- 
thirds of a pint [320. c.c] of new milk and two teaspoonfuls ; [8. c.c] of 
cream and stir. The food should be made fresh every twelve hours, and 
warmed as required. Care should be taken to select an essence of rennet 
which does not make the milk taste. 

Action and Therapeutics of Artificial Human Milk. 
Artificial human milk is invaluable as a food for infants whose 
mothers cannot suckle them. Many cases of infantile diarrhoea, 



688 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

indigestion, and sickness can be cured by substituting this milk 
for the usual milk and water, or infants' food. Some large dairy 
firms supply it, but it is cheaper to make it at home, and the 
above directions are easily carried out. When bought it is often 
sterilized and sold in air-tight bottles. It should be remembered 
that a long-continued diet of sterilized milk may, in children, 
cause rickets. 

PEPTONIZED MILK.— (Not official.) 

Preparation. — Mix a pint [480. c.c] of milk with 5 fl. oz. [150. c.c] 
of water. Heat to 140 F. [6o° C], and add Liquor Pancreatis, [B. P.J I 
fl. dr. [4. c.c] ; and Sodium Bicarbonate, 20 gr. ; [1.20 gm.]. Leave the 
mixture at the ordinary temperature of the room for three hours, or if kept at 
about 135 F. [57. 2° C. ] for about half an hour, then heat for a moment to 
boiling point. If too much pancreatic solution is used the milk is bitter. [This 
preparation should be kept on ice until required.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Peptonized Milk. 
Peptonized milk is used in many conditions in which it is 
thought that the gastric digestion is too feeble to digest ordinary 
milk, or in which it is desired, as sometimes, in typhoid fever, 
for instance, to avoid the curdling of milk in the stomach. Milk 
should always be peptonized before being introduced into an 
enema. An usual nutrient enema consists of the yolk of an egg 
and milk up to four fluid ounces [120. c.c.]. This mixture may 
be peptonized in just the same way and with the same quantity 
of peptonizing agents as the pint [480. c.c] of milk. Thirty 
grains; [2. gm.] of common salt should be added to the enema 
before use. 

KUMYSS. — (Not official). — [This is frequently written, Koumiss.] 
Preparation. — Dissolve 4 dr. [15 gm.] of grape sugar in 4 fl. oz. [120. 
c.c] of water and 20 gr. [1.20 gm.] of yeast in 4 fl. oz. [120. c.c] of cow's 
milk. Pour both into a bottle holding a quart [960. c.c], which is then filled 
up with milk, corked, wired, and put in a cool place and frequently shaken for 
four days. 

Uses of Kumyss. 

Kumyss contains a little alcohol and is extremely useful as a 
stimulant food in convalescence, in phthisis, and other conditions 
of exhaustion. [It is also used for the same purposes as milk ; it 



Animal drugs which are also foods. 689 

is usually more agreeable to the patient and is often borne by the 
stomach when all other food is vomited. The above is a very 
good substitute for the kumyss drunk by the Tartars, who prepare 
it by fermenting mare's milk.] 

[EXTRACTUM CARNIS. 

EXTRACT OF MEAT.— (Not official).— This preparation has for 
its object the obtaining the nutritive matters of the flesh of animals in a per- 
manent concentrated state. 

Source. — Equal parts of meat and. cold water. Straining, evaporation 
and straining. 

Characters. — Reddish-brown in color, of a slightly acrid taste, and 
frequently of a disagreeable odor. 

Composition. — 100 parts of meat yield 25 of extract. It is rich in ni- 
trogenous principles, but contains neither fat nor gelatin. The method of 
Liebig has been followed, with variations, by a large number of manufacturers. 
The product, however, by no means represents the nutritive qualities of the 
meat itself, because the albumin and fibrin are largely wanting, besides an 
endeavor is put forth to get rid of the gelatin and fat. Of late the attempt has 
been made to retain these important nutritive principles. The beef meal 
which Was used by Debove in his method of forced feeding (gavage) was 
practically desiccated beef; but it did not have its highest nutritive value be- 
cause it was, to a considerable extent, composed of insoluble matters. The 
more recent preparations are based upon the classical studies of Wurtz which 
showed that in the juice of the Carica papaya (nat. ord. Passiflorcz) was a 
principle, called papain, capable of converting albuminoids into soluble albu- 
moses and peptones. The fact that a similar vegetable digestive principle 
exists in the juice of the pine-apple and allied plants of the nat. ord. Brome- 
liacece, as was first shown by Marcafio, has been utilized in the manufacture of 
the Mosquera-Julia beef meal, where the process of digestion is carried on 
before desiccation, or it may be made as a jelly. The advantages of a vege- 
table over an animal pepsin, the greater acceptability to weak stomachs, the 
avoidance of the unpleasant taste and the disagreeable odor, and absence of 
bitterness are very important. By this method the preparation contains only 
ten per cent, of water, has four times the amount of albuminoid matter pre- 
sent in average lean beef, one-half of which is already in an assimilable form, 
and about three times as much fat, in addition. Besides, it is very convenient 
for administration. 

Action and Uses of Extract of Meat. 

Extract of meat is useful as a nutrient and a stimulant in re- 
lieving prostration and fatigue. The solution seasoned with cap- 
sicum is valuable in alcoholic excess and delirium tremens. In 

44 



69O ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

the infantile bowel disturbances, when milk must be forbidden, 
it is often indicated. In phthisis it will frequently sustain the 
patient ; in the aged it will support life without taxing the di- 
gestive powers. The amount to be used should be regulated by 
the age and condition of the patient.] 



GROUP V. 

[Animal Emollients. 

Lard, Spermaceti, Egg.] 

ADEPS. 

LARD. — [The prepared internal fat of the abdomen of Sus scrofa Linne 
( class Mammalia ; order Packydermata), purified by washing with water, 
melting, and straining. Habitat. — Domesticated. 

Characters. — A soft, white, unctuous solid, having a faint odor free 
from rancidity, and a bland taste. Solubility. — Insoluble in water ; very 
slightly soluble in Alcohol ; readily soluble in Ether, Chloroform, Carbon 
Bisulphide or Benzin. Sp. gr., about 0.932 at 59 F. ; 15 C] 

Composition. — (1) Olein, 60 per cent. (2) Stearin. (3) Palmitin. 
Adeps Induratus (Indurated Lard), which is ordinary lard deprived of a portion 
of its oil by pressure, may be used in [hot climates] when the high temperature 
renders ordinary lard too soft for use in ointments. 

Preparations. 

1. [Adeps Benzoinatus. — See Benzoin, p. 656. 

2. Ceratum. — Cerate. White Wax, 300 ; lard, 700. 

3. Ceratum Resinae. — See Resin, p. 523. 

4. Unguentum. — Ointment. Lard, 800 ; Yellow Wax, 200. 

OLEUM ADIPIS.— Lard Oil. A fixed oil expressed from Lard at a 
low temperature. 

Characters. — A colorless, or pale yellow oily liquid, having a peculiar 
odor, and a bland taste. Sp. gr., 0.910 to 0.920. 

Composition. — (1) Olein. (2) Palmitin. (3) Stearin.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Lard. 

Lard is an emollient, and is used as a basis for ointments when 
it is wished that the active ingredient should be absorbed, for 



ANIMAL EMOLLIENTS. 69 1 

lard melts at the temperature of the body, especially if bandaged 

on. The [benzoinated] lard has the advantage of not quickly 

becoming rancid. 

CETACEUM. 

SPERMACETI. — [A peculiar, concrete, fatty substance, obtained from 
trie sperm whale, Physeter macrocephalus Linne (class Mammalia; older 
Cetacea. Habitat. — Pacific and Indian Oceans. 

Characters. — "White, somewhat translucent, slightly unctuous masses of 
a scaly-crystalline fracture and a pearly lustre ; odorless, and having a bland, 
mild taste. It becomes yellowish and rancid by exposure to air. Sp. gr., 
about 0.945. Solubility. — Insoluble in water, and nearly so in cold Alcohol ; 
also in Ether, Chloroform, Carbon Disulphide, fixed and volatile oils ; only 
slightly soluble in cold Benzin.] 

Composition. — It is mainly Cetylic Alcohol, C 16 H 33 OH, which in combi- 
nation with Palmitic Acid, HC 16 H 31 2 , forms a fat, Cetin, C 16 H 33 C 16 H 31 2 . 

Preparations. 

[1. Ceratum Cetacei. — Spermaceti Cerate. Spermaceti, 100 
White Wax, 350 ; Olive Oil, 550. 

2. Unguentum Aquae Rosae. — See Rose, p. 556.] 

[Uses of Spermaceti.] 

Spermaceti is used as an emollient and as a basis for ointments 

[and cerates]. 

[VITELLUS. 

YOLK OF EGG.— The yolk of the egg of Gallus Bankiva, var. do- 
mestica Temminck (class Aves ; order Gallince). Habitat. — Java and Cochin 
China ; domesticated. 

Composition. — (1) Vitellin, 16 per cent. (2) Fat, 30 per cent. (3) In- 
organic Salts, Cholesterin, Lecithin, and coloring matter. 

Preparation. 
Glyceritum Vitelli. — See Glycerin, p. 608. 

Action and Therapeutics of Yolk of Egg. 

Yolk of egg is used to make emulsions and is nutritive and 

emollient. 

OVI ALBUMIN. 

EGG ALBUMIN. — Not official. — The liquid white of egg of Gallus 
Bankiva, var. domestica. Habitat. — Java and Cochin China ; domesticated. 



692 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Action and Therapeutics of Egg Albumin. 

Egg albumin is an antidote to poisoning by corrosives and 
irritants, especially corrosive mercuric chloride, copper sulphate, 
lead salts and silver nitrate. Like the yolk it is nutritive and 
emollient.] 

GROUP VI. 

[Animal Coloring Agents. 

COCCUS.] 

COCHINEAL.— [Synonyms.— Cochineal Bug. Red Scale Insect. The 
dried female of Coccus cacti Linne (class Insecta ; order Hemiptera) . Habitat. 
— Mexico and Central America ; upon Opuntia cockinillifera, Miller and 
other species. 

Characters. — About 5 mm. long, of a purplish-gray or purplish-black 
color ; somewhat oblong and angular in outline ; flat or concave beneath ; 
convex above ; transversely wrinkled ; easily pulverizable, yielding a dark red 
powder ; odor faint ; taste slightly bitterish.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — d) Carminic Acid, [C 17 H 18 
O 10 , 10 per cent., a glucoside. (2) Coccerin, a wax. (3) Fat, consisting of 
myristin, and fatty acids.] Sulphuric acid and several other reagents precipi- 
tate from its decoction the well-known coloring matter carmine. 

Cochineal is contained in Tinctura Cardamom! Composita. 

Uses of Cochineal. 

Cochineal is only used as a coloring agent. [The B. P. directs 
a tincture to be made by maceration of cochineal, 1; alcohol (45 
per cent.), 10.] 

GROUP VII. 

[Animal Drugs whose action is Mechanical. 

Suet, Curd Soap, Stearic Acid, Wool Fat, Isinglass, Sugar of Milk, 
Wax, Gelatin, Cantharides, Ichthyol.] 

SEVUM. 
SUET. — [Synonym. — Mutton Suet. The internal fat of the abdomen of 
Ovis Aries Linne (class Mammalia ; order Ruminantia), purified by melting 
and straining. Habitat. — Domesticated. 



ANIMAL DRUGS WHOSE ACTION IS MECHANICAL. 693 

Characters. — A white, solid fat, nearly inodorous, and having a bland 
taste when fresh, but becoming rancid on prolonged exposure to the air. 
Solubility. — Insoluble in water or cold Alcohol ; soluble in about 60 parts of 
Ether, and slowly in 2 parts of Benzin. 

Composition. — Its chief constituents are — (1) Stearin. (2) Palmitin. 
(3) Olein. (4) Hircin. 

Suet is contained in Unguentum Hydrargyri. 

Uses of Suet. 
Suet is used chiefly in cerates.] 

SAPO ANIMALIS. 

CURD SOAP [B. P., not official.] — Soap made with sodium [hydrate] 
and a purified animal fat consisting principally of Stearin. It is chiefly Sodium 
Stearate, but contains some Sodium Palmitate and about 30 per cent, of water. 

[Uses of Curd Soap.] 

Curd soap is used as a basis [for plasters, liniments, pills and 
suppositories. Emplastrum Saponis consists of curd soap, 10 ; 
lead plaster, 36; resin, 12. Emplastrum Saponis Fuscum 
(brown soap plaster) is curd soap, 20; yellow wax, 253 olive 
oil, 40 ; lead oxide, 30; vinegar, 320.] 

[ACIDUM STEARICUM. 

STEARIC ACID.— HC 18 H 35 2 =283. 38. 

Source. — An organic acid, in its commercial, more or less impure form, 
usually obtained from the more solid fats, chiefly tallow from the ox, Bos 
Taurus Linne ; (class Mamvialia ; order Ruminantia). Habitat. — Domes- 
ticated. By boiling with soda-lye, the Stearin is decomposed, Sodium Stear- 
ate being formed with the liberation of Glycerin. C 3 H 5 (C 18 H 35 2 ) 3 -f-3NaOH 
=C 3 H 5 (OH) 3 -j-3NaC 18 H 35 2 . The soap is decomposed by heating with 
water and Sulphuric Acid, setting free the fatty acids which are removed and 
purified with hot Alcohol. On cooling, Stearic Acid will separate. 

Characters. — A hard, white, somewhat glossy solid, odorless and taste- 
less, and permanent in the air. Solubility. — Insoluble in water; soluble in 
about 45 parts of Alcohol at 59 F. ; 15 C, readily soluble in boiling Alcohol, 
and in Ether. 

Uses of Stearic Acid. 
Stearic acid is used in the manufacture of glycerin supposi- 
tories. In combination with zinc and copper, as stearates of those 
metals, unofficial preparations have been introduced and used 



694 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

with success in the treatment of various diseases of the skin and 

mucous membranes.] 

ADEPS LAN^. 

WOOL FAT. — [B. P., not official.]— The purified cholesterin fat ob- 
tained as a bye-product in the dressing of sheep's wool. 

Source. — Sheep's wool, washed with cold water, then subjected to heat 
and pressure, yields impure wool fat. This is purified by melting, washing 
with alkali, and then washed with an acid while it is heated. 

Characters. — Semi-transparent, pale yellow, tenacious body. Ignited, 
it burns with a sooty flame. Melts between 100 and 1 12° F. ; [37. 7 and 
44.4 C] ; odor like sheep's wool. Solubility. — Freely in Chloroform and in 
Ether, partially in Alcohol. Insoluble in water, but on vigorous stirring takes 
up 1^ times its weight. 

Composition. — Before the separation of the fatty acids it consists of (1) 
Cholesterin and Isocholesterin, 70 per cent. (2) Fatty acids, 30 per cent. 

ADEPS LANiE HYDROSUS. 

HYDROUS WOOL-FAT.— Synonyms.— Lanolin. [CEsypum. The 
purified fat of the wool of sheep ( Ovis Aries, Linne ; class Mammalia ; order 
Ruminantia), mixed with not more than 30 per cent, of water. Habitat. — 
Domesticated. 

Source. — Sheep's wool is treated with a weak soda solution, and the 
solution acidulated. The remaining wool is treated with Benzin, the liquid 
distilled, and the residue deprived of color by oxidizing agents, or sunlight. 

Characters. — A yellowish-white or nearly white, ointment-like mass, 
having a faint, peculiar odor. Solubility. — Insoluble in water, but miscible 
with twice its weight of the latter, without losing its ointment-like character. 

Composition. — Its chief constituents are — (1) Cholesterin, C 26 H 43 (OH). 
(2) Ethers of Stearic, Palmitic, Oleic, Valerianic and other acids.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Hydrous Wool-Fat. 

Hydrous wool-fat when gently rubbed in the skin is more 

quickly absorbed than most fats, hence it is a useful basis if we 

wish to administer substances — as, for example, mercury — by 

inunction. [It is undoubtedly soothing to the skin, and often 

makes an excellent basis for ointments expected to act especially 

upon the skin.] 

[ICHTHYOCOLLA. 

ISINGLASS. — The swimming-bladder of Acipenser Huso Linne, and 
of other species of Acipenser (class Pisces ; order Sturiones). Habitat. — 
Caspian and Black Seas and tributary rivers. 

Characters. — In separate sheets, sometimes rolled, of a horny or pearly 



ANIMAL DRUGS WHOSE ACTION IS MECHANICAL. 695 

appearance ; whitish or yellowish, semi-transparent, iridescent, inodorous, 
and insipid. Solubility. — Almost entirely soluble in boiling water and in boil- 
ing diluted Alcohol. A solution of Isinglass in 24 parts of boiling water 
forms, on cooling, a transparent jelly. 

Composition. — (1) Gelatin {Gluten), 98 per cent. (2) Insoluble mem- 
brane, about 2 per cent. 

Dose, freely. 

Preparation. 

Emplastrum Ichthyocollse. — Isinglass plaster. Synonym.— 
Court plaster. Isinglass, 10 ; Alcohol, 40 ; Glycerin, 1 ; Hot Water 
sufficient for solution. To be applied with a brush upon taffeta, pre- 
viously coated on the back with Tincture of Benzoin. 

Uses of Isinglass. 

Isinglass is an emollient and nutritive substance, and is chiefly 
used externally as a protective. A better court plaster has gold- 
beaters' skin as a base.] 

SACCHARUM LACTIS. 

SUGAR OF MILK.— Synonym.— Lactose. C 12 H 22 O u +H 2 0[=359.i6. 
A peculiar, crystalline sugar, obtained from the whey of cow's milk by evapo- 
ration, and purified byre-crystallization (Bos Taurus Linne ; class Mammalia ; 
order jRuminantia). Habitat. — Domesticated. 

Characters. — White, hard, crystalline masses, yielding a white powder 
feeling gritty on the tongue, odorless and having a faintly sweet taste. Per- 
manent in the air. Solubility. — In about 6 parts of water; insoluble in Al- 
cohol, Ether or Chloroform.] 

Sugar of Milk is used in [Pulvis Ipecacuanhas et Opii, and Trituratio 
Elaterini. 

Dose, indefinite.] 

[Uses of Sugar of Milk.] 

Sugar of milk is used as a vehicle for triturations of substances, 
because being very hard it thoroughly divides them, and also it 
is but slightly deliquescent. For these reasons it is used as a dil- 
uent to get extracts to the required strength. It is employed 
to sweeten infants' foods. [It is a non-nitrogenous, bland article 
of diet and has been used in consumption and other wasting dis- 
eases. According to See, it is a diuretic which may be employed 
to advantage in cardiac dropsy.] 



696 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

CERA. 

[CERA FLAVA. — Yellow Wax. A peculiar, concrete substance, pre- 
pared by Apis mellifica Linne (class Ins e eta ; order Hymenoptera). 

Characters. — A yellowish to brownish-yellow solid, having an agree- 
able, honey-like odor, and faint balsamic taste. Sp. gr. , 0.955 to °-9^7- 
Solubility. — Insoluble in water, sparingly soluble in cold Alcohol. It is com- 
pletely soluble in Ether, Chloroform, and in fixed and volatile oils. 

Composition. — The principal constituents are — (1) Hydrocarbons (pro- 
bably C 27 H 56 and C 34 H 64 ) about 12 per cent. (2) Cerin or Cerotic Acid, 
C 27 H 54 2 . (3) Myricin or Myrical Palmitate, C 30 H 61 ,C 16 H 31 O 2 , the principal 
constituent. (4) An Alcohol, C 25 H 52 0, in small quantities. (5) Cerylic Al- 
cohol, C 27 H 56 0. 

Yellow Wax is used in Ceratum Cantharidis, Ceratum Resinae, Unguen- 
tum, and Unguentum Picis Liquids. 

CERA ALBA. — White Wax. Made by bleaching yellow wax by ex- 
posure to moisture, air and light. 

Characters. — A yellowish-white solid, somewhat translucent in thin 
layers, having a slightly rancid odor, and an insipid taste. Sp. gr., 0.965 to 

0-975- 

Composition. — As of yellow wax. 

White Wax is used in Ceratum, Ceratum Camphorae, Ceratum Cetacei 
and Unguentum Aquae Rosas.] 

Uses of Wax. 
Yellow and white wax are only used as bases for many plas- 
ters, [cerates] and ointments. 

GELATINUM. 

GELATIN.— [B. P., not official].— The air-dried product of the action 
of boiling water on gelatinous tissues, as skin, tendons, ligaments, and bone. 

Characters. — In translucent sheets or shreds. The solution in hot water 
is colorless and inodorous ; it solidifies to a jelly on cooling. It is insoluble 
in Alcohol and Ether. Its aqueous solution is precipitated by Tannic Acid.] 

Uses of Gelatin. 
Gelatin is useful as a basis for suppositories, pessaries, bougies, 
capsules, lozenges, and as a coating for pills. Glycogelatin 
(gelatin, 2 ; glycerin, 5 ; orange flower water, 5 ; colored with 
carmine) is an excellent basis for throat pastilles. Each should 
weigh 30 gr. [2. gm.]. Almost any drug can be incorporated 
in such pastilles. Medicated gelatin is often melted and painted 
on the skin in cutaneous diseases. 



ANIMAL DRUGS WHOSE ACTION IS MECHANICAL. 697 

CANTHARIS. 

CANTHARIDES.-[5^/y/»H.- Spanish Flies. Blister Beetles. The 
Cantharis vesicatoria De Geer (class Insecta ; order Coleoptera.) Habitat. — 
Southern and Central Europe, mainly on Oleacese and Caprifoliacae. 

Characters. — About 25 mm. long and 6 mm. broad ; flattish cylindrical, 
with filiform antennae, black in the upper part, and with long wing-cases and 
ample, membranous, transparent, brownish wings ; elsewhere of a shining, 
coppery-green color. The powder is grayish-brown, and contains green 
shining particles. Odor strong and disagreeable ; taste slight, afterwards 
acrid.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Cantharidin, C 10 H 12 O 4 , 
0.4 to I per cent., the active principle, a crystallizable body forming colorless 
plates, soluble in Alcohol, Ether, Acetic Ether, Glacial Acetic Acid, Chloro- 
form, and oils. It is found especially in the generative apparatus, the eggs, 
and the blood. (2) A volatile oil giving the odor and said to have the same 
action as Cantharidin. (3) A green oil, the coloring principle, closely allied 
to chlorophyll. (4) [Various extractives and salts.] 

Prep a rations. 

[1. Ceratum Cantharidis. — Cantharides Cerate. Cantharides, 
320; Yellow Wax, 180; Resin, 180; Lard, 220; Oil of Turpentine, 
150. 

Cantharides Cerate is contained in Emplastrum Picis Canthari- 
datum. See Burgundy Pitch, p. 522. 

2. Collodium Cantharidatum. — See Pyroxylin, p. 665. 

3. Tinctura Cantharidis. — Tincture of Cantharides. Canthar- 
ides, 50 ; by percolation with Alcohol to 1000. 

Dose, 1 to 15 m. ; .06 to 1.00 c.c] 

Action of Cantharides. 

External. — Cantharides is a powerful irritant ; but it is 
slower in its action than most [irritants]. If any of its prepara- 
tions are applied to the skin, no effect is noticed for two or three 
hours • then a tingling, burning pain is perceived. Soon the part 
becomes red from vascular dilatation, the drug now producing its 
rubefacient effect. The next stage is the formation of several 
vesicles. These soon run together to form one large bleb full of 
clear serum. Not only is cantharides an irritant and vesicant, 
but it is a powerful counter-irritant, probably dilating by re- 
flex action the vessels of the deep-seated organs under the point 
of application. 



698 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Canthariclin can be absorbed by the skin in sufficient quantity 
to produce internal effects. 

Internal. — Cantharides is hardly used internally in medicine, 
as it is such a powerful irritant. 

Gastro-intestinal tract. — It produces severe gastro-intesti- 
nal irritation, the patient suffering from abdominal pain, diar- 
rhoea and vomiting. There may be a burning pain in the throat : 
the motions and vomited matters may contain blood. These 
symptoms naturally cause much general depression. 

Genito -urinary tract. — The active principle is absorbed into 
the blood, and a few hours after the gastro-intestinal symptoms 
have set in the patient complains of great pain in the loins 
and strangury — that is to say, there is an urgent desire to [urin- 
ate] ; the effort is very painful from vesical tenesmus, and the 
quantity of urine passed is very small ; it may contain albumin 
and blood. 

Therapeutics of Cantharides. 

External. — Cantharides is the basis of many preparations 
the object of which is to stimulate the growth of hair, such as 
the following: Acetum cantharidis [B. P., cantharides, 1; gla- 
cial acetic acid, 5 ; water], 1; glycerin, 1; spiritus rosmarini, 
1; water, 10. Cantharides is very largely employed to raise a 
blister, and it is of all drugs the most commonly used counter- 
irritant. It is applied to the chest in pleurisy, over the pericar- 
dium in pericarditis, over the inflamed nerves in neuritis, over 
the mastoid process in disease of the ear, over joints with chronic 
effusion into them, over the stomach when there is gastric pain, 
vomiting, etc. A blister applied over the nerve will often re- 
lieve pain in neuralgia. If a further counter-irritant effect is de- 
sired, the blister, which is usually pricked, may be irritated by 
the application of any irritating ointment. [Unguentum Sabinae ; 
savine, 8 ; yellow wax, 3 ; benzoinated lard, 16;] w r as formerly 
much used for this purpose.] This, however, is very painful, 
and nowadays after the pricking some bland ointment is usually 
applied. The cantharides preparation should not be left on 
after the development of the bleb, lest the cantharidin should be 
absorbed. Cantharides should not be applied to a part on which 



ANIMAL DRUGS WHOSE ACTION IS MECHANICAL. 699 

the patient lies, for a bed-sore may form ; nor must it be used 
in renal disease ; and it should be carefully employed in children 
or debilitated persons. It ought not to be applied* to paralyzed 
limbs. [The cuticle raised by a blister may be used for skin- 
grafting.] 

Internal. — The drug is rarely given internally, but it has 
been used with success in small doses in cases of chronic gleet. 
Sometimes, [but not often,] it relieves chordee. [Small doses 
are sometimes useful in the late stage of acute desquamative 
nephritis. It has been recommended for diabetes insipidus. 
Cantharidin, in the form of potassium cantharidinate (nogr.; 
.0006 gin. hypodermatically) has been used as a remedy for pulmo- 
nary tuberculosis, and for lupus. For all that cures of both of 
these diseases have been claimed, the value of this drug is by no 

means established.] 

Toxicology. 

\_Symptoms. — ] In severe cases of poisoning there may be greatly increased 
sexual desire, numerous seminal emissions, violent priapism, with swelling and 
heat of the genital organs. In women cantharides may cause abortion or in- 
duce menstruation. Post- Mortem. — Intense gastro-intestinal inflammation is 
present, consequently swelling, ecchymoses, and hpyereemia of the mucous 
membrane of the alimentary canal are observed. The kidneys are found to be 
very congested, and in the early stage of acute nephritis. There is also much 
inflammation of the genito-urinary mucous membrane. 

[Treatment. — There is no chemical nor physiological antidote to Cantha- 
rides. The stomach should be emptied by emetics {see p. 139), or washed out 
by the stomach-pump. Mucilaginous and demulcent liquids should be freely 
given. Opium is indicated to relieve the pain and gastro- enteritis.] 

ICHTHYOLUM. 

ICHTHYOL.- [Not official.]— Synonym. — Ammonium Ichthyol-Sul- 
phonate. 

SOURCE. — A bituminous quartz containing the fossil remains of fish 
is distilled with [concentrated Sulphuric Acid, and the distillate is treated 
with a concentrated solution of Sodium Chloride, whereby the Sulphuric 
and Sulphurous Acids are removed.] The distillate is then saturated with 
Ammonia. 

Characters. — A viscous, reddish-brown, almost black substance, having 
a tarry odor and containing 15 per cent, of Sulphur. Solubility. — Soluble in 
Water, Glycerin, Oils and Fats. 

Dose, 10 to 20 gr. ; [.60 to 1.20 gm.] 



yOO ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Lithium, Sodium, and Zinc Ichthyol Sulphonates are prepared. [The 
name Ichthyol is understood to refer to the Ammonium Salt.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Ichthyol. 

[Ichthyol is an active reducing agent.] It is chiefly used ex- 
ternally for chronic eczema and psoriasis. An ointment with 
lanolin and ichthyol 20 to 50 per cent, [is recommended by Von 
Nussbaum for the treatment of erysipelas. It has been used in 
the form of a suppository for chronic prostatitis.] Ichthyol 
paste (starch, 40, moisten with water, 20, rub in ichthyol, 40, 
and then a strong solution of albumin, 1 or more) is recom- 
mended for acne rosacea. Ichthyol has been given as a pill for 
chronic rheumatism in dose from 10 to 30 gr.; [.60 to 2.00 gm. 
Under the name of Thiol, a mixture of sulphuretted hydrocar- 
bons has been used as a substitute for ichthyol, because it is less 
offensive. It has been applied as an ointment in vaseline, (1 

to 8).] 

HIRUDO. 

THE LEECH.— [B. P., not official.] — Two species are employed: 
(1) Sangnisitga medicinalis, the speckled leech (belly greenish-yellow, 
spotted with black); (2) Sanguisuga officinalis, the green leech (belly olive- 
green, not spotted), (nat. ord., Annelida). 

Characters of both species. — Body soft, smooth, [5] or more [cm.] 
long, tapering to each end plano-convex, wrinkled transversely, back olive- 
green, with six rusty -red longitudinal stripes. Each leech has a muscular disc 
at each end. In the centre of the anterior one is a tri-radiate mouth, provided 
with three saws and two rows of teeth. 

[The leech, although not a drug, is considered with this group for con- 
venience.] 

Action and Therapeutics of the Leech. 

Leeches are used to remove blood. They are usually applied 
over deep-seated organs when they are congested, and great re- 
lief is often afforded. For example, three or four leeches near 
the liver, when that organ is enlarged in heart disease, or one 
or two behind the ear, when the tympanic cavity is inflamed 
frequently do good. The leech being applied to the skin, the 
animal fixes itself by its sucker-like disc, makes a tri-radiate cut 
with its mouth, and draws into its body, which consequently be- 



THE ORGANIC EXTRACTS. Jrol 

comes swollen, about a drachm and a half [6. c.c] of blood. 
If this is not sufficient, a hot fomentation put on, after the ani- 
mal is removed, may increase the quantity to half a fluid ounce; 
[15. c.c.]. The skin should be well washed with a little milk 
before the leech is applied. Occasionally the haemorrhage re- 
quires pressure, or some local styptic, as ferric chloride [or 
better styptic collodion] , to stop it. If leeches have to be ap- 
plied to the mouth, rectum, or uterus, leech glasses, which only 
allow the head to protrude, should be used. 



GROUP VIII. 

[The Organic Extracts. 

Thyroid, Suprarenal, and Brain Extracts, and Testicular Juice. 

None of these are official. ] 

THYROIDEUM SICCUM.— Dry Thyroid [B. P., not official]. A 
powder prepared from the fresh and healthy thyroid gland of the sheep. 

Source. — Remove the fat and connective tissue directly the sheep is killed. 
Reject cystic, hypertrophied or otherwise abnormal glands. Mince. Dry at 
90 to ioo° F. [32. 2 to 37. 7° C.]. Powder the dried product. Remove 
all fat by washing with petroleum spirit and again dry. 

Characters. — Light dull-brown powder with faint meat-like odor and 
taste and free from odor of putrescence. Liable to become damp and then it 
deteriorates. 

Composition. — The chief constituent is a proteid, which exists in the col- 
loid matter and is called Thyroidin ; it contains 9.3 per cent, of iodine and 
0.5 per cent, of phosphorus. 

Dose, 3 to 10 gr. ; [.20 to .60 gm.] 

LIQUOR THYROIDEL— [Solution of Thyroid. B. P., not official.] 
A liquid prepared from the fresh and healthy thyroid gland of the sheep. 

Source. — The fresh healthy glands are bruised with, for each gland, 34 
minims [2.20 c.c] of glycerin and 34 minims [2.20 c.c] of a 0.5 per cent, 
solution of [carbolic acid]. Let stand for 24 hours, strain and add enough 
of the carbolic acid [solution] to make 100 minims [6.70 c.c]. 

Characters. — A pinkish, turbid liquid, free from odor of putrescence. 
To be freshly prepared and kept in stoppered bottles. Strength. — 100 minims 
[6.70 c.c] represent one gland. 

Composition. — As of the powder. 

Dose, 5 to 15 m. ; [.30 to 1.00 c.c] 



7*02 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 



Action of Thyroid Extract. 



Circulation. — Thyroid administered to man increases con- 
siderably the rate of the pulse, causes palpitation, enfeebles the 
cardiac beat, and makes the skin flushed and moist. Experi- 
ments on animals have failed to reveal the precise cause of this. 
The blood-pressure falls when a decoction of the gland is in- 
jected ; the fall is vasomotor, for the heart is not affected. Or- 
dinary doses produce no effect on the blood except an increase 
of lymphocytes. 

Excretion. — The active constituents of thyroid gland are 
probably excreted entirely through the kidneys. Large doses 
may cause diarrhoea. 

Metabolism. — The administration of thyroid leads to a greatly 
increased oxidation of all the tissues, consequently an excess 
of urea, uric acid and xanthin bases are excreted in the urine 
and more [carbon dioxide] by the lungs. It follows that large 
doses of thyroid reduce the body weight. 

Kidneys. — The quantity of urine is increased by thyroid gland, 
which may cause sugar to appear in the urine. 

Nervous system. — Occasionally a fine tremor, restlessness, and 
insomnia are caused by large doses. 

Therapeutics of Thyroid Extract. 

It is known that human beings or monkeys whose thyroid is 
excised become myxcedematous, and that all sufferers from 
myxcedema have atrophied thyroid glands. If a preparation of 
sheep's thyroid is given to patients suffering from myxcedema, all 
the symptoms disappear, usually in about six weeks. The effect 
is as striking as anything in medicine. The [solution] is better 
than the powder, for that may decompose. It is best to begin 
with 5 m., [.30 c.c] thrice daily, in water, gradually to increase 
the dose till 10 m., [.60 c.c] are given, and when all symp- 
toms have disappeared it will be necessary for about 10 m., [.60 
c.c] to be taken twice a week for the rest of the patient's life 
to prevent recurrence. When the treatment was first introduced 
the glands were eaten, or transplanted under the skin, or the ex- 



THE ORGANIC EXTRACTS. 703 

tract was administered subcutaneously ; but equally good results 
are obtained by giving the [solution] or the powder by the 
mouth : compressed tablets of the powder are very convenient 
and much used. A diminution of certain goitres follows the 
giving of thyroid, but it is useless in exophthalmic goitre. 
Cretinism is also marvellously benefited, both mentally and 
bodily, by thyroid preparations, especially if given early in the 
patient's life. A few cases of imbecility in children, a few of 
climacteric insanity, and a few of tetany have been much im- 
proved by thyroid. Chronic psoriasis, which has resisted all 
other treatment, often disappears if the patient be put to bed and 
take daily enough of thyroid preparations to keep him on the 
brink of poisoning by them, but unfortunately the disease often 
returns when the treatment is discontinued. 

Thyroid preparations have been much used for obesity, but 
the practice is not to be recommended. They must be carefully 
given to those suffering from cardiac disorder. A preparation 
called Iodothyrine, which contains the active principles of the 
gland, has been used lately. [A milk-sugar triturate of this is 
given in daily dose of 15 to 30 gr.; 1. to 2. gm.j 

Poisoning. — An overdose of a thyroid preparation causes an 
exaggeration of the effects already described. The most evident 
are rapid pulse, slight pyrexia, headache, nausea, diarrhoea, rest- 
lessness, pains in the limbs, pruritus, and rarely delirium. These 
symptoms are termed " Thyroidism." If large doses be given 
to monkeys for a long period of time, a condition termed 
"Chronic Thyroidism" is produced. The symptoms of it are 
emaciation, muscular weakness, paresis, some alopecia, erection 
of some of the hairs on the head, proptosis, dilatation of pupils, 
widening of palpebral fissure, and death from asthenia. In 
some respects these monkeys resemble patients suffering from 
exophthalmic goitre. [Very large doses taken for a long time 
make patients thin and also produce degeneration of the cardiac 
muscle so that permanent disability may result. Surgeons are 
especially liable to make this error.] 

SUPRARENAL EXTRACT [Not official] is prepared from the supra- 



^04 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

renal capsules of the sheep, [ox and pig]. The active principle exists only in 
the medulla of the gland. It may be given in tablets. 
[Dose, 5 to 20 gr. ; .30 to 1.20 gm.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Suprarenal Extract. 

This has been shown experimentally [to increase the tone of 
all muscular tissue, mainly if not entirely by direct action (Oliver 
and Schafer), to constrict the small arteries through its action on 
the vasomotor centre (Szymonowicz and Cybulski), and to raise 
blood-pressure more than any other known substance.] It in- 
hibits the heart through the vagus and produces a muscle curve 
like veratrine. [It may be used as a local vaso-constrictor in 
minor surgery. On account of this property it may be applied 
to inflamed tissues so that these may be rendered anaesthetic by 
cocaine. For topical application a filtered, freshly-made aque- 
ous solution should be employed ; it may be sterilized by heat 
without destroying its active principle. All antiseptics, used as 
preservatives, are disappointing. The active principle has been 
isolated by Abel for which he proposed the name epinephrin. 
Its salts produce an exceedingly powerful effect on blood-pres- 
sure.] Treatment should begin with 1 gr.; [.06 gm.], of the 
extract as [powder dry on the tongue and swallowed without 
water] thrice daily, but the dose should be rapidly pushed [to 
5 gr.; .30 gm.]. The gastric contents have no effect upon the 
extract. [It should never be given hypodermatically on account 
of the collapse which it causes when administered in this way. 
It is of great value in the treatment of " Hay-fever " given in- 
ternally and also applied locally. It is useful in the treatment 
of acute and chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, congestion 
and oedema of the lungs, haemoptysis, and oedema of the glottis. 
It may be cautiously used in diseases of the heart, which it 
stimulates from direct action on the heart muscle.] Some writers 
claim that it benefits Addison's disease, but others have failed to 
notice any improvement, 

[BRAIN EXTRACT.— (Not official.) The gray matter of a sheep's 
brain is sterilized, macerated in aseptic glycerin and filtered by the method of 



THE ANTITOXINS AND SERUMS. 705 

D' Arsonval, being sterilized under carbon dioxide gas of a pressure of thirty- 
atmospheres. 

Dose, 15 m., 1.00 c c, hypodermatically. 

Uses of Brain Extract. 
Paul has made use of this for the treatment of various nervous 
disorders and claims excellent, although not always constant, 
results. Febrile reaction, prostration, and in some cases cardiac 
weakness, has followed its administration. 

TESTICULAR JUICE (Not official) is prepared in the same way as 
brain extract. 

Dose, 10 to 20 m. ; .60 to 1.20 c.c, hypodermatically. 

Uses of Testicular Juice. 

Brown -Sequard believed that certain organs supply to the 
body a natural ferment which is essential to health. When this 
ferment is absent the vital forces degenerate. Under the use of 
this fluid the functions of organic life are performed with new 
vigor. Favorable reports of its use in many hundreds of patients 
suffering from organic nervous diseases are on record.] 

Extracts of many other organs, especially bone marrow and 
thymus, have been employed in medicine, but there is so little 
evidence that they are of any use that they need not be referred 
to here. 



GROUP IX. 

[The Antitoxins and Serums. 

Diphtheria and Tetanus Antitoxins, Antistreptococcic, Antipneumo- 

coccic, and Antivenomous Serums, Plague, Cholera and Typhoid 

Serums and Inoculations, Nutrient Serum, and Hydrophobia 

Antidote. 

None of these are official.] 

DIPHTHERIA ANTITOXIN.— [Not official.]— When the hacillus 
of diphtheria grows in the body it produces toxins, albumoses, and an organic 
acid, and provokes the formation of a substance (called an antitoxin) which is 
found in the blood. This antitoxin is an antidote to the toxin of the diph- 
theria bacillus, and it is largely owing to the production of it that the patient 

45 



yo6 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

is enabled to survive, and his chances of surviving are enhanced if antitoxin is 
administered to him to aid that which is formed in his body. 

Source. — Diphtheria bacilli are grown in a flask containing some nutrient 
broth {e.g., meat broth), to which 0.5 per cent, of sodium chloride and 2 per 
cent, of commercial peptone have been added. At the end of some weeks the 
bacilli are filtered off, and the fluid left contains a large amount of diphtheria 
toxin, and it should be of such strength that .01 c.c. \_i% m -] of it will kill a 
good-sized guinea pig. From .02 to 1. 00 c.c. [3 to 15 m.] of it is aseptically 
injected into the jugular vein of ahorse; this produces slight symptoms. As 
soon as they are past a larger dose is injected, and so the dose is gradually in- 
creased until 100 c.c. [25 fl. dr.] or more are given at each injection. This 
leads to the formation of a large amount of antitoxin in the blood serum. At 
the end of some months the horse is bled to 8 liters [quarts] in a sterilized 
vessel, the blood coagulates, and the antitoxic serum is put into sterilized 
bottles and hermetically sealed, a little carbolic acid or other antiseptic being 
added to prevent decomposition. 

The details may be modified, as horses vary in their reaction to the toxin, 
and toxins vary in strength, but the essentials of the method always remain 
the same. 

Mode of Administration. — The antitoxic serum has been shown to be use- 
less when given by the mouth, perhaps because it is destroyed in the liver. 
Therefore it is always injected subcutaneously ; usually between the shoulders 
or on the side of the abdomen. Before injection the skin must be thoroughly 
washed with an antiseptic, and all ordinary antiseptic precautions should be 
taken. After injection the puncture should be healed with antiseptic gauze, 
iodoform and collodion. The antitoxin should be taken from a fresh bottle. 
A special syringe, so constructed that all the parts of it can be boiled before 
use is employed. 

Dose. — It is better to give a small dose of a concentrated rather than a 
large dose of a dilute antitoxin. The dose is the same for children and adults. 
The strength of it, which is stated on the bottle, varies between 200 and 2500 
units per cubic centimeter, but it is usually about 500. The antitoxin must be 
obtained from a reliable source. The quantity given should be such that from 
4000 to 12,000 units or even more are injected in the first twenty- four hours 
after the patient comes under treatment. This amount may be divided into 
two or three doses, but should be repeated on the second and third days, if 
necessary. A unit is the smallest quantity of antitoxic serum, which when 
mixed with a certain quantity of a standard diphtheritic toxin and with it in- 
jected into the subcutaneous tissue of a healthy guinea-pig weighing from 250 
to 300 grammes [8 to 10 oz.], protects the animal from death within four days. 

It is impossible in a work like this to give a more precise definition, for all 
diphtheritic toxin consists of a toxin proper, which is poisonous, and toxoid 
bodies which, although not poisonous, will neutralize the antitoxic properties 
of antitoxic serum. Therefore, to standardize antitoxic serum it must be tested 
against diphtheritic toxin in which the proportion of toxins proper and toxoids 



THE ANTITOXINS AND SERUMS. JO*] 

and the neutralizing activity of the latter as regards antitoxin are known and 
constant. Such a standard toxin is kept in the Government testing department 
in Berlin, and the strength of all diphtheritic antitoxins should be expressed in 
terms of it. 

Action and Therapeutics of Diphtheria Antitoxin. 

Antitoxin serum diminishes all the symptoms of diphtheria, 
and in particular it greatly lessens the liability to sudden heart 
failure. If the diphtheria toxin be administered to animals fatty 
degeneration of the heart is found after death, but if they have 
also had antitoxin this is absent. Both clinical and experimental 
evidence show that after antitoxin is given, although the bacilli 
continue to exist in the throat, the formation of membrane 
ceases and that which is present rapidly disappears ; therefore 
laryngeal diphtheria rarely follows faucial if antitoxin is used 
early, the patient becomes less anaemic, his pulse improves, and 
his temperature may fall a little, although this is less influenced 
by antitoxin than are the other symptoms of diphtheria. The 
maximum effect of the antitoxin is not seen until twenty -four 
hours after injection. All reliable collections of cases show that 
the mortality, especially in children, is much less when the anti- 
toxin is used. It should be given at the earliest possible moment, 
even if it is only likely that the patient is suffering from diph- 
theria, for the number of fatal cases is less when antitoxin is used' 
early in the illness. The benefit is more marked in laryngeal 
than in other varieties of diphtheria, the mortality of trache- 
otomy cases falling by one half. The frequency of the occur- 
rence of paralysis is not diminished, but the percentage of re- 
coveries in cases with paralysis is slightly increased. 

Symptoms of poisoning are sometimes seen after this anti- 
toxin has been given, but they are unimportant. They are not 
due to the antitoxin in, but to some other constituent of the 
serum, for they may follow when the simple serum of animals is 
injected into the human subject. The most common is a rash, 
met with in about 35 per cent, of the patients injected ; it may 
appear as late as the end of the third week after injection, but 
it is usually seen at the end of the first week. In a few cases a 
second rash is observed after the first has faded. Usually it is a 



708 organic materia medica. 

mere erythema, but it may be papular or uticarial. Commonly 
it disappears in three days. Pains in the joints and slight swell- 
ing of them are occasionally present [and finally somewhat rarely 
there has been observed an irregular temperature range and con- 
secutively emaciation and death ; evidently pointing toward an 
acquired septicaemia. Further in a few cases an early fatal re- 
sult has been reported. Browne and Benda both have shown 
that in a fatal issue, nephritis, in the majority of cases, is the 
cause of death, and clinically hemorrhagic nephritis is by no 
means rare. Inasmuch as this remedy militates solely against 
the infection of the Klebs-Lceffler bacillus and clinically most 
cases of diphtheria are cases of mixed infection, the usual local 
antiseptic and general supporting measures must not be omitted. 
The danger of antitoxin lies in the horse-serum, for, many years 
before antitoxin was made, the results of injection of an alien 
serum had been pointed out. Concentrated serums then should 
be preferred in that they give the largest amount of antitoxin 
with the smallest amount of serum. 

So far as prophylaxis is concerned, the question is still sub 
judice, many failures are reported, and indeed instances of rein- 
fection have occurred even after suitable doses of antitoxin have 
been used during a previous attack.] 

TETANUS ANTITOXIN.— [Not official.]— This is prepared on the 
same principles as diphtheria antitoxin, and is administered in the same way 
or directly into the brain. No marked success has attended its use, perhaps 
because tetanus is not usually [recognized] till long after infection, and per- 
haps because the tetanus toxin is very firmly united with the proteids of the 
central nervous system. [Recent reports indicate that this antitoxin, particu- 
larly when injected directly into the brain, will soon take its place as a valuable 
and trustworthy remedy for this disease.] 

ANTISTREPTOCOCCIC SERUM.- (Not official.) Streptococci 
do not cause the diseases due to them by developing a toxin which circulates 
in the blood, but by being themselves carried all over the body, which at- 
tempts to kill them by developing a toxin fatal to them. To prepare anti- 
streptococcic serum the virulence of the streptococci is increased by their pas- 
sage through several rabbits ; they are then grown on a medium which 
preserves their virulence. A horse is next treated with successive doses of 
cultivations of these living streptococci, each more potent than the former. 



THE ANTITOXINS AND SERUMS. 7O9 

At the end of the year the strength of the antitoxic serum of the horse is power- 
ful enough for use. This is always given subcutaneously and the dose varies 
with different specimens of serum. 

Action and Therapeutics of Antistreptococcic Serum. 

Our experience of the value of antistreptococcic serum is 
limited, but it suggests itself as useful for those diseases which 
are principally due to infection by streptococci. Such are 
malignant endocarditis, erysipelas, surgical septicaemia, disease 
of the middle ear, thrombosis of the lateral sinus, and puerperal 
septicaemia. Successful cases of its use in these disorders have 
been recorded, and it might be used with advantage in any of 
the many diseases in which streptococci can be found. One 
great disadvantage of it is that it is always impossible to foretell 
whether it will be of use; this is because different cultivations 
of apparently the same streptococcus vary so widely in their 
properties that serum which is antibactericidal to one cultivation 
is not to another. 

ANTIPNEUMOCOCCIC SERUM.— (Not official.) This is prepared 
in the same way as antistreptococcic serum, and like it is antibactericidal, not 
antitoxic. It has been used for diseases due to the pneumococcus, but the evi- 
dence of its efficacy is slight. 

ANTI VENOMOUS SERUM.— (Not official.) Probably the poison 
of all venomous snakes is the same. Horses are rendered immune to snake 
poison by repeated injections of snake-venom, and Calmette and Fraser have 
shown that the hypodennatic injection of serum from such horses will cure 
those bitten by a venomous snake and also render persons immune to snake 
poison. 

PLAGUE SERUM AND INOCULATION.— (Not official.) A 
serum obtained from horses inoculated with plague has been used in the treat- 
ment of human beings affected with plague. Its efficacy is doubtful. If it 
does good it is in virtue of its antibactericidal properties, for it is not antitoxic. 
An emulsion of dead plague bacilli has been largely used to vaccinate those 
exposed to plague. Haffkine has shown that those thus vaccinated rarely 
contract plague when exposed to it. 

CHOLERA SERUM AND INOCULATION. — (Not official.) 
This serum is of no therapeutic value, but there is some evidence that vaccina- 
tion with cholera micro-organisms affords some protection. 



7IO ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

TYPHOID SERUM AND INOCULATION.— (Xot official.) 
There is no evidence that the serum treatment of typhoid fever is of benefit. 
Inoculation by injecting dead bacilli in the abdominal wall with all antiseptic 
precautions has been practiced. Local inflammatory reaction with some 
pyrexia follows in a few hours, but usually soon passes off. Therefore it is 
best not to give the injection in the evening. It has not yet been shown 
whether this inoculation confers immunity, but the blood serum of an inoculated 
person [agglutinates] typhoid bacilli. 

NUTRIENT SERUM.— (Xot official.) When diphtheritic antitoxic 
serum was first introduced it was very dilute, and therefore large quantities 
{e.g., 320 c.c. [10 fi. oz. ] in two days for a child five years old) were injected. 
Such quantities produced no ill-effects, and this fact suggested to Salter that 
serum might be injected subcutaneously as a food in human beings. He has 
shown by experiments on animals that while the injection of small quantities, 
by increasing the katabolism of the body, leads to an increase of urinary 
nitrogen and a loss of weight, when large quantities are injected the serum is 
utilized as a food to such an extent as more than to counterbalance the loss due 
to the induced increased katabolism, for life is much prolonged if animals are 
allowed no food nor drink except such as is provided by the subcutaneous in- 
jection of serum. 

When the serum of one animal is injected into another of a different species, 
unimportant toxic effects, such as transitory pyrexia, a rash, and joint pains are 
frequently observed. Salter states that if serum be heated to 65 C. [149 F.] 
the bodies producing these effects and those exciting increased nitrogenous 
katabolism are destroyed, although the value of the serum as a subcutaneous 
food is not impaired. 

Such a heated horse- or sheep-serum may be injected into man when, after 
severe abdominal operations, it is impossible or undesirable to introduce any 
food into the stomach or intestines, in certain severe cases of gastro-intestinal 
disease, as gastric ulcer, typhoid fever, infantile diarrhoea, or during the 
vomiting that occurs with severe post- diphtheritic paralysis. For an infant 
30 to 40 c.c, [8 to 10 fl. dr.], for a child 60 to 80 c.c, [16 to 20 fl. dr.], and 
for an adult 100 to 120 c.c, [3 to 4 fi. oz. ], may be used and repeated ac- 
cording to the severity of the case. If it is intended to administer repeated 
daily doses, the most satisfactory plan is to inject the liquid into the loose sub- 
cutaneous tissue of, say one loin on the first occasion, the opposite loin on the 
second, then into either axilla, then between the shoulder blades, and so on, 
thus ringing the changes and giving each shot a few days' rest before practic- 
ing a second inoculation at the same place. 

HYDROPHOBIA ANTIDOTE.— [Although this is not an antitoxin 
nor a serum it is conveniently considered here.] A rabbit is inoculated from 
the spinal cord of an animal dead of hydrophobia, other rabbits are inoculated 
from this, and so through a series until the spinal cord (which is the chief seat 



THE ANTITOXINS AND SERUMS. J I I 

of the vims in hydrophobia) contains a virus the incubation period of which is 
seven days. The spinal cord loses its virulence when exposed to the air, so 
that a series of spinal cords (each of which originally contained a virus the in- 
cubation period of which was seven days) can be prepared of greater or less 
virulence according to the time during which they have been exposed to the 
air. 

Uses of Hydrophobia Antidote. 

It is found that if a patient who has been bitten by a rabid 
dog is inoculated first with a rabbit's spinal cord of a low degree 
of virulence, and the next day with one of higher degree, and so 
on increasing the virulence of the injection, hydrophobia does 
not usually develop in him if the treatment is, begun soon after 
the bite. [The reports of the use of this suggest that some of 
the deaths after treatment may be due to it rather than to the 
bite. Inasmuch as the incubation period of hydrophobia is so 
extremely variable, the pathological findings so inconstant and 
the symptoms so diverse, there is some reason for doubting the 
existence of the disease in man. At least the majority of alleged 
cases have been shown to have been those of various diseases. 
For this reason the antidote possesses but little interest save to 
those who are interested in spreading hydrophobia-phobia,] 



APPENDIX I. 

THE PHARMACOPCEIAL VEGETABLE DRUGS ARRANGED 
ACCORDING TO THEIR NATURAL ORDERS. 



Nat. Order. 


Name of Plant. 


Part of Plant. 


Name of Drug. 


[Ranunculaceae 


Aconitum Napellus 


Tuber 


Aconite. 




Anemone Pulsatilla 


Herb 


Pulsatilla. 




" pratensis 


" 


" 




Delphinium Staphisagria 


Seed 


Stavesacre. 




Cimicifuga racemosa 


Rhizomeand roots 


Cimicifuga. 




Hydrastis canadensis 


" " " 


Hydrastis. 


Magnoliacese 


Illicium verum 


Fruit 


Star-anise. 


Menispermaceae ... 


Jateorrhiza palmata 


Root 


Calumba. 




Chondodendron tomentosum 


" 


Pareira. 




Menispermum canadense 


Rhizome and 


Canadian Moon- 






roots 


seed. 




Anamirta paniculata 


Neutral principle 
from seed 


Picrotoxin. 


Berberideae 


Caulophyllum thalictroides 


Rhizome and 


Blue Cohosh. 






roots 






Podophyllum peltatum 


Rhizome and 
roots 


May apple. 


Papaveracese 


Papaver somniferum 


Exudation from 
capsules 


Opium. 




Chelidonium majus 


Plant 


Celandine. 




Sanguinaria canadensis 


Rhizome 


Bloodroot. 


Cruciferae 


Brassica alba 


Seed 


White mustard. 




" nigra 




Black mustard. 


Polygaleae 


Polygala Senega 
Krameria triandra 


Root 


Senega. 
Rhatany. 








" Ixina 


" 


" 


I Guttiferae 


Garcinia Hanburii 


Gum-resin 


Gamboge. 


Ternstrcemiaceae... 


Thea sinensis 


Proximate princi- 
ple from leaves 


Caffeine- 


Malvaceae 


Gossypium herbaceum 


Hairs of seed 


Purified Cotton. 




<< t t 


Bark of root 


Cotton root bark. 




tt it 


Oil from seed 


Cotton seed oil. 




Althaea officinalis 


Root 


Marshmallow. 


Sterculiaceae 


Theobroma Cacao 


Oil from seed 


Oil of theobroma. 


Lineae 


Linum usitatissimum 


Seed and oil 


Linseed. 




Erythroxylon Coca 


Leaves 


Coca. 


Zygophylleae 


Guaiacum officinale 


Heart wood 


Guaiacum wood. 




n a 


Resin 


Guaiac. 




" sanctum 


Wood 


Guaiacum wood. 


Geraniaceae 


Geranium maculatum 
Xantholylum americanum 


Rhizome 
Bark 


Cranesbill. 
Prickly ash. 


Rutaceae 




" Clava-Herculis 




" " 




Citrus vulgaris 


PJnd of fruit 


Bitter orange peel. 




" Aurantium 


tt tt 


Sweet " " 




" Limonum 


" " 


Lemon peel. 




" " 


Juice " 


" juice. 




" Bergamia 


Oil from rind of 
fruit 


Oil of bergamot. 




Barosma betulina 


Leaves 


Buchu 




" crenulata 


" 


" 




Pilocarpus Selloanus 


Leaflets 


Jaborandi. 




" Jaborandi 


" 


" 


Simarubeae 


Picrena excelsa 


Wood 


Quassia. 


Burseraceae 


Commiphora Myrrha 


Gum-resin 


Myrrh. 


Celastrineae 


Euonymus atropurpureus 


Bark of root 


Euonymus. 


Rhamneae 


Rhamnus Frangula 


Bark 


Frangula. 




" Purshiana. 


" 


Cascara Sagrada. 



(713) 



7H 



APPENDIX. 



Nat. Order. 


Name of Plant. 


Part of Plant. 


Name of Drug. 


Vitacese 


Vitis Vinifera 


From j uice of fruit 


White Wine. 
Red 




Sapindaceae 


Paullinia Cupana 
Pistacia Lentiscus. 


Seeds 

Resinous exuda- 
tion 


Guarana. 
Mastic. 


Anacardieas 






Rhus glabra 


Fruit 


Rhus glabra. 




" radicans 


Leaves 


Poison Ivy. 


Leguminosae 


Astragalus gummifer 


Gummy exuda- 
tion 


Tragacanth. 






Acacia Senegal 


Gum from stem 


Gum Arabic. 




Glycyrrhiza glabra and var. 


Root 


Liquorice. 




glandulifera 








Cystisus Scoparius 


Tops 


Broom. 




Pterocarpus santalinus 


Wood 


Red Saunders. 




" Marsupium. 


Inspissated juice 


Kino. 




Toluifera Pereirae 


Balsam 


Balsam of Peru. 




" Balsamum 


" 


Balsam of Tolu. 




Physostigma venenosum 


Seed 


Calabar bean. 




Andira Araroba 


Neutral principle 


Chrysarobin. 




Cassia acutifolia 


Leaflets 


Senna. 




" angustifolia 


tt 


" 




" Fistula 


Fruit 


Purging Cassia. 




Haematoxylon campechianum 


Wood 


Logwood. 




Tamarindus indica 


Pulp of fruit 


Tamarind. 




Acacia Catechu 


Extract from 
wood 


Catechu. 




Copaiba Langsdorffii 


Oleoresin 


Copaiba. 


Rosacea^ 


Rosa gallica 
" centifolia 


Petals 


Red rose. 
Pale " 






" damascena 


Oil from flowers 


Oil of rose. 




Rubus villosus 


Bark of root 


Blackberry. 




" canadensis 


" " 


" 




" trivialis 


" " 


" 




" idaeus 


Fruit 


Raspberry. 




Prunus Amygdalus z/ar.dulcis 


Seed 


Sweet almond. 




" " " amara 


" 


Bitter " 




Hagenia abyssinia 


Female inflores- 
cence 


Kousso. 




Prunus domestica 


Fruit 


Prune. 




" serotina 


Bark 


Wild Cherry. 




Quillaja Saponaria 


" 


Soap bark. 


Hamamelaceae 


Liquidambar orientalis 


Balsam from bark 


Storax. 




Hamamelis virginiana 


Leaves 


Hamamelis. 


Myrtaceae 


Eugenia aromatica 


Unexpandedflow- 

ers 
Oil from leaves 


Cloves. 




Myrcia acris 


Oil of Bay. 




Pimenta officinalis 


Fruit 


Allspice. 




Melaleuca Leucadendron 


Oil from leaves 


Oil of Cajuput. 




Eucalyptus globulus 


Leaves 


Eucalyptus. 




" oleosa 


Oil from leaves 


Oil of Eucalyptus. 


Lythrariese 


Punica Granatum 


Bark of stem and 


Pomegranate. 






root 




Cucurbitaceae 


Citrullus Colocynthis 


Fruit 


Colocynth. 




Bryonia alba 


Root 


Bryonia. 




" dioica 


" 


" 




Cucurbita Pepo 


Seed 


Pumpkin seed. 




Ecballium Elaterium 


Juice of Fruit 


Elaterium. 


Umbelliferae 


Conium maculatum 
Pimpinella Anisum 


Fruit 


Hemlock. 
Anise. 






Carum Ajowan 


Phenol from oil 


Thymol. 




Ferula fcetida 


Gum-resin from 
root 


Asafetida. 




Ferula Sumbul 


Root 


Sumbul. 




Dorema Ammoniacum 


Gum-resin 


Ammoniac. 




Coriandrum sativum 


Fruit 


Coriander. 




Fceniculum capillaceum 


" 


Fennel. 




Carum Carvi 


" 


Caraway. 



APPENDIX. 



715 



Nat. Order. 


Name of Plant. 


Part of Plant. 


Name of Drug. 


Caprifoliacese 


Sambucus canadensis 


Flowers 


Elder. 




Viburnum prunifolium 


Bark 


Black Haw. 




" Opulus 


" 


Cramp Bark. 


Rubiaceae 


Coffea arabica 


Proximate princi- 
ple from seeds 


Caffeine. 






Cinchona officinalis 


Bark 


Cinchona bark 




" Calisaya 


" 


" " 




" succirubra 


" 


Red cinchona. 




Cephaslis Ipecacuanha 
Valeriana officinalis 


Root 


Ipecac. 


Valerianeae 


Rhizome and 
roots 


Valerian. 




Co mpo sitae 


Anacyclus Pyrethrum 
Eupatorium perfoliatum 


Root 


Pellitory. 
Thoroughwort. 




Leaves and flow- 






ering tops 






Artemisia pauciflora 


Flower-heads 


Santonica. 




Calendula officinalis 


Florets 


Marigold. 




Anthemis nobilis 


Flower-heads 


Chamomile. 




Grindelia robusta 


Leaves and flow- 
ering tops 


Grindelia. 




" squarrosa 


Leaves and flow- 
ering tops 






Matricaria Chamomilla 


Flower-heads 


German Chamo- 

m ;i. 




Tanacetum vulgare 


Leaves and tops 


mile. 
Tansy. 




Artemisia Absinthium 


« <( 


Wormwood. 




Taraxacum officinale 


Root 


Dandelion. 




Inula Helenium 


" 


Elecampane. 




Arnica montana 


Flower-heads 


Arnica flowers. 




" 


Rhizome and 


" root. 






roots 






Lactuca virosa 


Milk juice 


Lactucarium. 




Erigeron canadense 


Oil from herb 


Oil of Fleabane. 




Arctium Lappa 


Root 


Burdock. 


Lobeliaceae 


Lobelia inflata 
Arctostaphylos Uva ursi 
Chimaphila umbellata 


Leaves and tops 
Leaves 


Lobelia. 
Uva ursi. 
Pipsissewa. 


Ericaceae 






Gaullheria procumbens 


Oil from leaves 


Oilofwintergreen. 


Styracese 


Styrax Benzoin 
Olea europaea 


Balsamic Resin 
Oil from fruit 


Benzoin. 
Olive oil. 


Oleaceae 




Fraxinus Ornus 


Exudation 


Manna. 


Apocynaceae 


Apocynum cannabinum 


Root 


Canadian Hemp. 




Aspidosperma Quebracho- 


Bark 


Quebracho. 




bianco 








Strophanthus hispidus 


Seed 


Strophanthus. 


Asclepiadeae 


Asclepias tuberosa 
Strychnos Nux-vomica 


Root 


Pleurisy Root. 
Nux vomica. 


Loganiaceae 


Seed 




Spigelia marilandica 


Rhizome & roots 


Pink root. 




Gelsemium sempervirens 


" " 


Gelsemium. 


Gentianeae 


Gentiana lutea 


Root 


Gentian. 




Swertia Chirata 


Plant 


Chirata. 


Hydrophyllaceae... 


Eriodictyon glutinosum 


Leaves 


Eriodictyon. 


Convolvulaceae 


(Convolvulus Scammonia 


Resinous exuda- 
tion 


Scammony. 




Ipomcea Jalapa 


Tuberous root 


Jalap. 


Solanaceae 


Capsicum fastigiatum 


Fruit 


Capsicum. 




Atropa Belladonna 


Root and leaves 


Belladonna. 




Datura Stramonium 


Seed and leaves 


Stramonium. 




Hyoscyamus niger 


Leaves and flow- 
ering tops 


Henbane. 




Solanum Dulcamara 


Branches 


Bittersweet. 




Nicotiana Tabacum 


Leaves 


Tobacco. 


Scrophularineae 


Digitalis purpurea 


" 


Digitalis 




Veronica virginica 


Rhizome and 
roots 


Culver's Root. 


Pedalaceae 


Sesamum indicum 


Oil from seed 


Benne oil. 


Labiatae 


Rosmarinus officinalis 


Oil from leaves 


Oil of rosemary. 




Salvia officinalis 


Leaves 


Sage. 



?i6 



APPENDIX. 



Nat. Order. 


Name of Plant. 


Part of Plant. 


Name of Drug. 


Labiatse 


Scutellaria lateriflora 


Herb 


Scullcap. 

Oil of lavender. 




Lavandula officinalis 


Oil of flowers 




Hedeoma pulegioides 


Leaves and tops 


Pennyroyal. 




Mentha piperita 


" " 


Peppermint. 




" viridis 


" " 


Spearmint. 




" arvensis 


Stereopten 


Menthol. 




" canadensis 


" 


" 




Melissa officinalis 


Leaves and tops 


Balm. 




Monarda punctata 


Phenol from oil 


Thymol. 




Thymus vulgaris 


it it 


" 




" " 


Oil from leaves and 


Oil of thyme. 






flowering tops 






Marrubium vulgare 


Leaves and tops 


Horehound. 


Chenopodiaceae 


Chenopodium ambrosioides 


Fruit 


American Worm- 




var. anthelminticum 




seed. 




Beta' vulgaris 


From cane 


Sugar. 


Phytolaccacese 


Phytolacca decandra 


Root 


Poke Root. 




" " 


Fruit 


" Berry. 


Polygonacea; 


Rheum officinale 


Root 


Rhubarb. 




Rumex crispus 


" 


Yellow Dock. 


Aristolochiacese ... 


Aristolochia Serpentaria 
*' reticulata 


Rhizome androots 


Serpentaria. 


Piperacese 


Piper nigrum 


Fruit 


Black pepper. 




Piper Cubeba 


" 


Cubeb. 




Piper angustifolium 


Leaves 


Matico. 


Myristicaceae ,. 


Myristica fragrans 


Seed 


Nutmeg. 




" " 


Arillade of seed 


Mace. 


Laurinese 


Cinnamomum — sp. indeter. 


Bark of shoots 


Chinese Cinnamon 




" " 


Bark 


Saigon " 




" zeylanicum 


Bark of shoots 


Ceylon " 




" Camphora 


Stearopten 


Camphor. 




Sassafras variifolium 


Bark of root 


Sassafras. 






Pith 


Pith 


Thymelaeacese 


Daphne Mezereum 


Bark 


Mezereum. 


Santalaceae 


Santalum album 


Oil from wood 


Oil of Santal. 


Euphorbiaceae 


Croton Eleuteria 


Bark 


Cascarilla. 




" Tiglium 


Oil from seed 


Croton oil. 




Ricinus communis 


" " 


Castor oil. 




Hevea — sp. indeter. 


Milk-juice 


India rubber. 




Stillingia sylvatica 


Root 


Queen's root. 
Kamala. 




Mallotus philippinensis 


Glands and hairs 






from capsules 




Urticacese 


Humulus Lupulus 


Strobiles 


Hops. 




Ficus Carica 


Fleshy receptacle 


Fig. 




Ulmus fulva 


Inner bark 


Slippery Elm. 




Cannabis sativa 


Flowering tops 


Indian cannabis. 


Juglandaceae 


Juglans cinerea 


Bark of root 


Butternut. 


Cupuliferae 


Quercus alba 

" lusitanica 


Bark 

Parasitic excres- 


White oak. 
Nutgall. 








cences 






Castanea dentata 


Leaves 


Chestnut. 




Fagus sylvatica 


Wood-tar 


Creosote. 


Betulaceas 


Betula lenta 


Oil from bark 


Volatile oil of 
Betula. 




Salicaceas 


Salix sp. indet. 
Populus sp. indet. 


Neutral principle 


Salicin. 






Coniferae 


Abies balsamea 


Oleoresin from 
bark 


Canada balsam. 






Abies excelsa 


Resinous exuda- 
tion 


Burgundy pitch. 




Pinus palustris 


Oleoresin from 
wood 


Tar. 




" " 


Oleoresin 


Turpentine. 




Juniperus communis 


Oil from fruit 


Oil of juniper. 




" Sabina 


Tops 


Savine. 


1 


" Oxycedrus 


Distillation of 
wood 


Oil of cade. 



APPENDIX. 



717 



Nat. Order, 


Name of Plant. 


Part of Plant. 


Name of Drug. 


Orchidese 


Cypripedium pubescens 
" parviflorum 


Rhizome & roots 


Ladies' slipper. 








Vanilla planifolia 


Fruit 


Vanilla. 


Scitamineae 


Elettaria repens 


'< 


Cardamom. 




Zingiber officinale 


Rhizome 


Ginger. 


Iridese 


Crocus sativus 
Iris versicolor 


Stigmas 
Rhizome & roots 


Saffron. 
Blueflag. 




Liliaceae 


Allium sativum 
Colchicum autumnale 


Bulb 
Corm 


Garlic. 
Colchicum root. 






" " 


Seed 


" seed. 




Convallaria majalis 


Rhizome and 
roots 


Convallaria. 




Smilax officinalis 


Root 


Sarsaparilla. 




" medica 


" 


" 




1 ' papyracea 


" 


" 




Asagraea officinalis 


Alkaloids from 
seed 


Veratrine. 




Veratrum viride 


Rhizome and 
roots 


Veratrum Viride. 




Urginea maritima 


Bulb 


Squill. 




Aloe Perryi 


Juice of leaves 


Socatrine Aloes. 




" vera 


" 


Barbadoes " 


Aroidese 


Acorus Calamus 


Rhizome 


Sweet Flag. 


Gramineae 


Agropyrum repens 
Zea Mays 


u 


Couch-grass. 
Corn-silk. 




Styles and stig- 






mas 






" 


Fecula of seed 


Starch. 




Hordeum distichum 


Seed 


Pearl barley. 




Saccharum officinarum 


From cane 


Sugar. 


Lycopodiaceae 


Lycopodium clavatum 


Spores 


Lycopodium. 


Filices 


Dryopteris Filix-mas 


Rhizome 


Male fern. 




" marginalis 




" 


Fungi 


Claviceps purpurea 
Cetraria islandica 
Chondrus crispus 
Gigartina mamillosa 


Sclerotium 


Ergot. 

Iceland Moss. 
Irish Moss. 


Lichenes 


Phallus 
Plant 


Algae 






] 



APPENDIX II. 

[THE PHARMACOPGEIAL ANIMAL DRUGS ARRANGED 
ACCORDING TO THEIR NATURAL ORDERS. 



VERTEBRATA. 


CLASS. 


NAT. ORDER. 


NAME OF ANIMAL. 


PART OF ANIMAL. NAME OF DRUG 


Mammalia 


Ruminantia 


Moschus moschiferus 


Dried secretion from 
preputial follicles 


Musk. 






Ovis Aries 


Internal fat of abdo- 
men 

Purified fat of wool 


Suet. 

Hydrouswool 
fat. 






Bos Taurus 


Sugar from whey of 
cow's milk 

Fresh bile 

Organic acid from 
tallow 


Sugar of milk. 

Ox Gall. 
Stearic Acid. 




Pachydermata 


Sus scrofa 


Internal fat of the 
abdomen 

Ferment from glan- 
dular layer of 
stomach 

Enzymes from pan- 
creas 


Lard. 

Pepsin. 

Pancreatin. 




Cetacea 


Physeter macrocephalus 


Fatty substance 


Spermaceti. 


Aves 


Gallinse 


Gallus Bankiva, 
var. domestica 


From the egg 


Yolk of Egg. 


Pisces 


Sturiones 


Ascipenser Huso 


Swimming bladder 


Isinglass. 




Teleostia 


Gadus Morrhua 


Oil from fresh liver 


Cod Liver Oil. 






INVERTEBRATA. 




Insecta 


Hymenoptera 


Apis mellifica 


Secretion from the 
honeycomb 

Concrete substance 


Honej r . 
Yellow Wax. 




Hemiptera 


Coccus cacti 


Dried female insect 


Cochineal. 




Coleoptera 


Cantharis vesicatoria 


The insect 


Cantharides.] 



(718) 



APPENDIX 



A LIST OF LATIN PHRASES COMMONLY USED IN 
THE WRITING OF PRESCRIPTIONS. 



aa. 

Ad. 

[Adhib. 

Admov. 

Ad lib. 

Ad sat. 

Ad us. 

2Sq. 

[Agit. 

Alt. hor. 

Ampul. 

Aq. 

Aq. bull. 

Aq. dest. 

[Aq. ferv. 

Aq. fluv. 

Aq. font. 

Aq. pluv. 

Bene 

Bib. 

Bis ind. 

Bis in 7 d. 

[Bol. 

Bull. 

C. 

Calef. 

Cap. 

[Cap. 

Chart. 

Chartul. 

Cib. 

Cito disp. 

C. m. 

C. m. s. 

C. n. 

Cochl. 

Cochl. ampl. 

Cochl. infant. 

Cochl. mag. 

Cochl. mod. 

Cochl. parv. 

[Col. 

Collun. 

Collut. 

Collyr- 

Cont. 

Contin. 

Cras. 

Cuj. 

C. v. 

Cyath. 

Cyath. vinos. 

g_d. 

Deaur. 
Dec. 



Ana 


of each. 


Adde 


add. 


Adhibendus 


to be administered. 


Admove 


apply. 


Ad libitum 


to the desired amount.] 


Ad saturandum 


to saturation. 


Ad usum 


according to custom. 


^Equales 


equal. 


Agitetur 


let it be shaken. 


Alternis horis 


every other hour. 


Ampulla 


a large bottle.] 


Aqua 


water. 


Aqua bulliens 


boiling water. 


Aqua destillata 


distilled water. 


Aqua fervens 


hot water. 


Aqua fluviatilis 


river water. 


Aqua fontis 


spring water. 


Aqua pluvialis 


rain water. 


Bene 


well.] 


Bibe 


drink. 


Bis indies 


twice a day. 


Bis in septem diebus 


twice a week. 


Bolus 


a large pill. 


Bulliat 


let it boil.] 


Cum 


with. 


Calefactus 


warmed. 


Capiat 


let him take. 


Capsula 


a capsule. 


Charta 


a paper. 


Chartula 


a small paper. 


Cibus 


food. 


Cito dispensetur 


let it be dispensed quickly.] 


Cras mane 


to-morrow morning. 


Cras mane sumendus 


to be taken to-morrow morning. 


Cras nocte 


to-morrow night. 


Cochleare 


a spoonful. 


Cochleare amplum 


a table-spoonful. 


Cochleare infantis 


a teaspoonfui. 


Cochleare magnum 


a table-spoonful. 


Cochleare modicum 


a dessert-spoonful. 


Cochleare parvum 


a teaspoonfui. 


Cola 


strain. 


Collunarium 


a nasal wash. 


Collutorium 


a mouth wash. 


Collyrium 


an eye wash. 


Contere 


rub together.] 


Continueter 


let it be continued. 


Cras 


to-morrow. 


Cuj us 


of which. 


Cras vespere 


to-morrow evening. 


Cyathus 


a glassful. 


Cyathus vinosus 


a wine glassful. 


Da 


give. 


Dosis 


a dose. 


Deaurentur 


let (the pills) be gilded. 


Decanta 


decant.] 



(719) 



720 


APPENDIX. 




D. d. in d. 


De die in diem 


from day to day. 


Det. 


Detur 


let it be given. 


Dieb. alt. 


Diebus alternis 


on alternate days. 


Dim. 


Dimidius 


one-half. 


Div. 


Divide 


divide. 


D. in p. se. 


Divide in parts aequales 


divide into equal parts. 


Exhib. 


Exhibiatur 


let it be given. 


F. or ft. 


Fiat 


let it be made. 


F. h. 


Fiat haustus 


make a draught. 


F. m. 


Fiat mistura 


make a mixture. 


F. pil. 


Fiat pilula 


make a pill. 


[Form. 
F s. a. 


Formula 


a prescription. 


Fac secundum artem 


make according to art. 


Garg. 


Gargarysma 


a gargle.] 
drop or drops. 


Gtt. 


Gutta or guttse 


Habt. 


Habeat 


let him have. 


[Hor. decub. 
Hor. intermed. 


Hora decubitus 


at bedtime. 


Horis intermediis 


at intermediate hours. 


H. s. 


Hora. somni 


at bedtime. 


111. 


Illico 


immediately. 


Imp. 


Impone 


apply.] 


Ind. 


Indies 


daily. 


[Instar 


Instar 


the size of. 


Involv. gelat. 


Involve gelatino 


coat -with gelatin.] 


Lat. dol. 


Lateri dolenti 


to the painful side. 


[Len. 
Len. ter. 


Lenitur 


easily. 


Lenitur terendo 


by rubbing gently. 


Mane 


Mane 


in the morning. 


Mane primo 


Mane primo 


early in the morning. 


Mic. pan. 


Mica panis 


bread crumb.] 


Mit. 


Mitte 


send. 


[Mode diet. 


Mode dictu 


in the manner directed.] 
in the manner prescribed. 


Mod. prsescript. 


Modo praescripto 


[Non repetat. 


Non repetatur 


let it not be repeated.] 


O. m. 


Omni mane 


every morning. 


Omn. bih. 


Omni bihora 


every two hours. 


Omn. hor. 


Omni hora. 


every hour. 


O. n. 


Omni nocte 


every night. 


P. or pt. 


Perstetur 


continue. 


Part. seq. 


Partes aequales 


equal parts. 


[Penicil. cam. 


Penicillum camelinum 


a camel's hair pencil. 


Pil. 


Pilula 


a pill.] 


P. r. n. 


Pro re nata 


when required. 


[Q. hor. 


Quaqua. hora 


every hour.] 


Q.l. 


Quantum libet 


as much as is requisite. 


Q.s. 


Quantum sufficit 


a sufficient quantity. 


Q.v. 


Quantum volueris 


at will. 


R. 


Recipe 


take. 


[Red. in pulv. 
Rep. 


Redactus in pulverem 


reduced to powder.] 


Repetatur 


let it be repeated. 


[Sat. 
Semel 


Satis 


sufficient. 


Semel 


once. 


Semi h. 


Semi hora 


half an hour. 


Sesq. h. 


Sesqui hora 


an hour and a half. 


Sic. 


Sicetur 


let it be dried. 


Sin. 


Sine 


without.] 


Sing. 


Singulorum 


of each. 


[Si op. sit. 


Si opus sit 


if necessary.] 


Sum. 


Sumat or sumendum 


let him take or let it be taken, 


T. d. 


Ter in die 


three times a day. 


[Ter. 


Tere 


Rub. 


Ter. bene 


Tere bene 


Rub well. 


Trit. 


Trituretur 


let it be triturated. 


Utere 


Utere 


make use of. 


Vehic. 


Vehiculum 


menstruum. 


Ver. 


Verus 


genuine. 


Vesp. 


Vesper 


the evening.] 



INDEX. 



[In all Latin titles of more than one syllable, the accented syllable is distin- 
guished by the sign ' placed after the corresponding vowel. 



ABBREVIATIONS, 45, 
719 
Absinthe, 553 
Absinthic acid, 554 
Absinthin, 554 
Absin'thium, 553 
Absinthol, 554 
Abstra'cta, 36 
Abstracts, 36 
Absolute alcohol, 280 
Absorbent cotton, 665 
Aca'cia, 615 
Accelerating centre, drugs 

acting on, 58 
Ace'ta, 19 
Acetanilid, 319 
Acetanili'dum, 319 
Acetylparamidophenol 

salicylate, 483 
Acetic acid, 265 

glacial, 266 
ether, 300 
Acetone-chloroform, 290 
Ace'tum o'pii, 352 

sci'llse, 432 
Acetyl salicylic acid, 480 
Acid, acetic, 265 

diluted, 266 
glacial, 266 
arsenous, 223 

solution, 224 
benzoic, 656 
boracic, 273 
boric, 273 
cacodylic, 228 
camphoric, 650 
carbolic, 329 
crude, 328 
ointment, 329 
citric, 266 



Acid, citric, syrup of, 266 
chromic, 234 
chrysophanic, 490, 493 
digallic, 593 
di-iodosalicylic, 341 
gallic, 596 
gallotannic, 593 
hydriodic, syrup of, 248 
hydrobromic, diluted, 

258 
hydrochloric, 264 
hydrocyanic, diluted, 

i34 
hypophosphorous, di- 
luted, 240 
iodosalicylic, 342 
lactic, 267 
meconic, 350, 353 
muriatic, 264 
nitric, 264 

diluted, 264 
nitrohydrochloric, 264 
nitromuriatic, 264 
oleic, 611 
phenic, 329 
phosphoric, 265 

diluted, 265 
prussic, 134 
pyrogallic, 596 
salicylic, 475 
stearic, 693 
sulphanilic, 250 
sulphuric, 263 

diluted, 263 

aromatic, 264 
sulphurous, 272 
tannic, 593 

ointment, 593 

troches, 593 
tartaric, 266 
46 



Acids, 263. 

A'cidum ace'ticum, 265 

dilu'tum, 266 

gla'ciale, 266 
arseno'sum, 223 
benzo'icum, 657 
bo'ricum, 273 
campho'ricum, 650 
carbo'licum, 329 

cru'dum, 328 
chro'micum, 234 
ci'tricum, 266 
ga'llicum, 596 
hydrobro'micum dilu'- 
tum, 258 
hydrochlo'ricum, 264 

dilu'tum, 265 
hydrocya'nicum dilu'- 
tum, 134 
hypophosphor'osum di- 
lu'tum, 240 
la'cticum, 267 
meco'nicum, 353 
ni'tricum, 264 

dilu'tum, 264 
nitrohydrochlo'ricum, 
264 

dilu'tum, 264 
ole'icum, 611 
phospho'ricum, 265 

dilu'tum, 265 
salicy'licum, 475 
stea'ricum, 693 
sulphu'ricum, 263 

dilu'tum, 263 

aroma'ticum, 264 
sulphuro'sum, 272 
ta'nnicum, 593 
tarta'ricum, 266 
Aconine, 437 

(721) 



722 



INDEX. 



Aconite, 437 

Aconiti'na, 437 

Aconitine, 437 

Aconi'tum, 437 

Acorin, 582 

Acrinyl sulphocyanide, 524 

Actions, pharmacological, 46 

therapeutic, 46 

cumulative, 40 
Actol, 173 
A'deps, 690 

benzoina'tus, 690 

indura'tus, 690 

la'nae, 694 

hydro'sus, 694 
Adhesive plaster, 523 
A'djuvans, 41 
Administration of drugs, 

38 
Adonidin, 436 
Adonidi'num, 436 
^sculap, 93, 144 
^E'ther, 297 

ace'ticus, 300 

broma'tus, 301 
^E'thyl bro'midum, 301 
African pepper, 541 
Air, 74 
Aix-les-Bains, 262 

la-Chapelle, 262 
Alantin, 459 
Albumin Egg, 691 
A'lcohol, 279 

absolute, 280 

absolu'tum, 280 

amylic, 289 

amy'licum, 289 

deodora'tum, 280 

diluted, 279 

dilu'tum, 279 

deodorized, 280 

ethyl, 279 

ethylic, 279 

phenyl, 329 

tertiary amyl, 315 
Aldehyde, formic, 344 
Ale, 281 
Alkaline earths, 155 

metals, 122 
Alkaloids, 12 
A'llium, 455 
Allyl oxide, 455 

sulphide 455 



Allyl sulphocyanide, 525 
Allspice, 536 

oil of, 536 
Almond, bitter, 612 

Jordan, 613 

sweet, 613 
A'loe, 496 

barbaden'sis, 496 

curacoa, 496 

purifica'ta, 497 

socatri'na, 497 
Aloes, Zanzibar, 497 
Aloin, 498 
Aloi'num, 498 
Alpha-eucaine, 326 
Alterative, 115 
Althae'a, 611 
Alum, 185 

ammonio-ferric, 193 

burnt, 186 

dried, 186 

potassium, 185 
Alu'men, 185 

exsicca'tum, 186 

u'stum, 186 
Alu'mina, hydrated, 186 
Alu'mini hy'dras, 186 

su'lphas, 186 
Aluminum, 185 

acetate, 186 

hydroxide, 186 

naphtol sulphonate, 187 

and potassium sulphate, 
. ■ 185 

sulphate, 186 
Alumnol, 187 
Amaroids, 12 
American hellebore, 442 

wormseed, 628 
Ammonia, aromatic spirit of, 
149 

bakers', 150 

liniment, 149 

spirit of, 149 

water, 149 
Ammoniac, 562 

emulsion, 562 

plaster, with mercury, 
210 
Ammoni'acum, 562 
Ammoniated glycyrrhizin, 
617 
mercury, 213 



Ammo'nii be'nzoas, 657 

bro'midum, 253 

ca'rbonas, 150 

chlo'ridum, 151 

io'dum, 249 

ni'tras, 153 

valeria'nas, 557 
Ammoniated mercury oint- 
ment, 213 
Ammonio-ferric alum. 193 
citrate, 194 
sulphate, 193 
tartrate, 195 

mercuric chloride, 220 
Ammonium, acetate, solu- 
tion of, 152 

benzoate, 657 

bromide, 253 

carbonate, 150 

chloride, 151 
troches, 152 

ichthyol sulphonate, 699 

iodide, 249 

nitrate, 153 

valerianate, 557 
Ammo'nium, 148 
Amy'gdala ama'ra, 612 

du'lcis, 613 
Amygdalin, 462, 612, 656 
Amyl colloid, 441 

ni'tris, 305 

nitrite, 305 
Amylene hydrate, 315 
Amyle'ni hy'dras, 315 
Amylic alcohol, 289 
A'mylum, 667 
Anaesthetics, general, 106 

local, 101 

dangers of, 108 
Analgesics, 318 
Anaphrodisiacs, 113 
Anarcotine, 350, 366 
Anetherie, 552 
Anethol, 549 
Ane'thum, 552 
Anemonin, 451 
Angelic acid, 545 
Angustura bark, 586 
Anhidrotics, 65 
Anhydrogluco-chloral, 314 
Animal charcoal, 276 
Anise, 549 
Ani'sum, 549 



INDEX. 



723 



Annidalin, 340 
Anodyne, Hoffman's, 298 

colloid, 441 
Anodynes, local, 101 
Anthelmintics, 50 
Anthemene, 554 
Anthemidin, 555 
A'nthemis, 526 
Anthemol, 526 
Anticholagogues, 97 
Antidote, arsenic, 193 

hydrophobia, 710 
Anti-emetics, 89 
Antifebrin, 319 
Antigalactagogues, 114 
Antihidrotics, 65 
Antikamnia, 321 
Antimonial powder, 231 
Antimo'nium, 230 
Antimo'nii et pota'ssii tar'- 
tras, 231 

o'xidum, 230 

su'lphidum, 230 

purifica'tum, 230 
Antimo'nium sulphura'tum, 

230 
Antimony and potassium 
tartrate, 231 

black purified, 230 

oxide, 230 

pills, compound, 212 

sulphide, 230 
purified, 230 

sulphurated, 230 

tartrated, 231 

trioxide, 230 

trisulphide, 230 

wine of, 231 
Antinervin, 321 
Antiparasitics, 51 
Antiperiodics, 51 
Antipneumococcic serum, 

709 
Antipyretics, 71, 318 
Antipyrin, 321 
Antipyri'num, 321 
Antiseptics, 48, 328 

gastric, 83 

intestinal, 94 
Antisialogogues, 80 
Antispasmodics, 77 
Antistreptococcic serum, 708 
Antitoxin, diphtheria, 705 



Antitoxin, tetanus, 708 
Antivenomous serum, 709 
Antizymotics, 50 
Apenta, 93 
Aphrodisiacs, 113 
Apiol, 645 
Apio'lum, 645 
Apocynein, 632 
Apocynin, 632 
Apo'cynum, 632 
Apomorphi'nse hydrochlo'- 

ras, 367 
Apomorphine hydrochlorate, 

367 
Aporetin, 490 
Appendix, 713 
A'qua, 116 

amm'onise, 149 
fo'rtior, 148 

amy'gdalse am'arae, 612 

an'isi, 549 

aura'ntii flo'rum, 591 
fo'rtior, 591 

campho'rae, 649 

chlo'ri, 243 

chlorofo'rmi, 291 

cinnamo'mi, 540 

creoso'ti, 334 

destilla'ta, 116 

fceni'culi, 551 

hydroge'nii dio'xidi, 120 



me'nthse 



pipen'tse, 547 



me'ntha: vi'ridis, 548 

re'gia, 264 

ro'sse, 556 

fo'rtior, 556 
A'quas, 19 
Arabin, 15, 614, 615 
Arachin, 605 
Araroba powder, 660 
Arbutin, 631, 636 
Arge'nti cya'nidum, 171 

io'didum, 172 

ni'tras, 170 

dilu'tus, 171 
fu'sus, 171 

o'xidum, 171 
Argentamine, 173 
Arge'ntum, 170 
Argol, 129 
Argonin, 173 
Aristol, 340 
Aristo'lum, 340 



Aristolochine, 587 
Armora'cia, 541 
A'rnica, 530 
A'rnicae ra'dix, 531 

flo'res, 530 
Arnica root, 531 

flowers, 530 

plaster, 531 
Arnicin, 530 
Aromatic elixir, 591 

fluid extract, 540 

powder, 540 
Arsenic, 223 

antidote, 193 

and mercuric iodide, so- 
lution of, 212 

iodide, 224 

trioxide, 223 

white, 223 
A'rseni io'didum, 224 
Arsenous acid, 223 

solution of, 224 
A'rsenum, 223 
Artanthic acid, 577 
Artificial human milk, 687 

oil of wintergreen, 481 
Asafetida, 560 
Asafce'ti'da, 560 
Asaprol, 343 
Asapro'lum, 343 
Ascle'pias, 457 
Asclepion, 457 
Ash, prickly, 671 
Asparagin, 611, 617 
Aspi'dium, 623 
Aspidosamine, 459 
Aspidospe'rma, 459 
Aspidospermatine, 459 
Aspidospermine, 459 
Aspirin, 480 
Astringents, 63 

intestinal, 95 
Atropi'na, 373 
Atropi'nse sul'phas, 373 
Atropine, 372, 373 

sulphate, 373 
Atropurpurin, 513 
Attar of rose, 556 
Aurantiamarin, 589 
Aura'ntii ama'ri co'rtex, 589 

du'lcis co'rtex, 590 
Au'ri et so'dii chlo'ridum^og 
Au'rum, 209 



;24 



INDEX. 



BAEL fruit, 678 
Baker's ammonia, 150 
Baking soda, 140 
Balm, 661 
Balsam, of copaiba, 571 

of fir, 524 

Friar's, 656 

of Peru, 565 

of Tolu, 566 
Ba'lsamum Peruvia'num, 

565 

Toluta'num, 566 
Balsams, 14 
Barbadoes aloes, 496 
Barbaloin, 498 
Ba'rii dio'xidum, 161 
Barium, 161 

dioxide, 161 

peroxide, 161 

sulphide, 161 
Barley, pearl, 620 
Barosmin, 570 
Barus camphor, 649 
Basham's mixture, 192 
Basilicon, ointment, 523 
Basis, 41 

Bassorin, 15, 611, 614 
Baths, 117 

cold, 120 

hot, 119 

indifferent, 117 

tepid, 120 

warm, 119 
Battey's fluid, 247 
Battley's solution, 352 
Bay oil, 663 

rum, 663 
Bearberry, 631 
Beer, 281 

Be'lse fruc'tus, 678 
Bellado'nna, 371 
Bellado'nnae fo'lia, 371 

ra'dix, 372 
Belladonine, 371 
Benne oil, 663 
Benzaconine, 437 
Benzin, 279 
Benzi'num, 279 
Benzoic acid, 565, 566, 656 
Benzosol, 336 
Benzoyl-guaiacol, 336 
Benzoyl-sulphonic-imide, 
346 



Benzoyl vinyldiacetonalka- 

min hydrochlorate, 328 
Benzoin, 656 
Benzoinated lard, 656 
Benzoi'num, 656 
Benzylic benzoate, 566 

cinnamate, 566 
Berberine, 580, 640, 673 
Bergamot, oil of, 546 
Beta-eucaine, 328 
Beta-naphtol, 342 
Be'tula, volatile oil of, 480 
Bhang, 387 

Bile, drugs acting on, 96 
Bismuth, 181 

Bismuth and ammonium ci- 
trate, 182 
Bismuth citrate, 182 

naphtolate, 184 

oxide, 184 

phenolate, 184 

naphtolate, 184 

salicylate, 183 

subcarbonate, 181 

subgallate, 183 

subnitrate, 182 

tetra-iodo-phenol- 
-phthaleinate, 185 

tribromophenolate, 183 
Bismu'thi ci'tras, 182 

et ammon'ii, ci'tras, 182 

salicy'las, 183 

subca'rbonas, 181 

subni'tras, 182 
Bismu'thum, 181 
Bitter almond, 612 

apple, 505 

cucumber, 505 

gourd, 505 

orange peel, 589 

principles, 12 

wine of iron, 196 
Bitters, 580 
Bittersweet, 635 
Black antimony purified, 230 

berry, 602 

cohosh, 587 

draught, 493 

drop, 352 

haw, 643 

mustard, 524 

pepper, 537 

snake root, 587 



Black wash, 218 
Bladder,action of drugs on, 70 
Blaud's pills, 190 
Bleaching powder, 243 
Bliss' cure, 383 
Blister beetles, 697 
Blistering collodion, 665 
Blood, drugs acting on, 51 

root, 450 
Blue cohosh, 643 

flag, 512 

mass, 210 

methylene, 347 

ointment, 210 

pill, 210 

stone, 179 

vitriol, 179 
Bodily heat, drugs acting on, 

7 1 
Boluses, 21 
Boneset, 487 
Bone-black, 276 
Boracic acid, 273 
Borax, 273 
Boric acid, 273 
Borneo camphor, 550, 649 
Borneol, 530, 557 
Boro-glyceride, solution of, 

273 
Boro-glycerin, glycerite of, 

2 73 
Bougies, 36 
Bourboule water, 205 
Brain, drugs acting on, 104 

extract, 704 
Brandy, 280 
Braye'ra, 624 
Brazilian coca, 391 
Bromides, 252 
Bromine, 252 
Bromoform, 302 
Bromofo'rmum, 302 
Bro'mum, 252 

Bronchial secretion, drugs 
affecting the, 77 
vessels, drugs acting on, 

78 
spasm, 77 
Broom, 434 
Brown mixture, 617 
Brucine, 393 
Bryo'nia, 503 
Bryonin, 503 



INDEX. 



725 



Bryony , 503 
Bucco, 570 
Buchu, 570 
Buckthorn. 495 
Burdock, 674 
Burgundy, 2S1 

pitch, 522 

plaster, 522 
Burned lime, 157 
Burnt alum, 1S6 
Burnett's fluid, 176 
Burton's line, 170 
Butternut, 492 
Butter of cacao, 666 

of antimony, 233 

of zinc, 175 
Butyl-chloral hy'dras, 312 

hydrati, 312 
Byne. 620 
Bynol, 621 

CACAO butter, 666 
Cacodylic acid, 22S 
Cactine, 447 
Ca'ctus, 447 
Cachets, 36 
Cade, oil of, 522 
Caffei'na, 388 

citra'ta, 389 

efferve'scens, 389 
Caffeine, 388 

citrated, 389 

effervescent, 389 
Cajuput, oil of, 527 
Cajuputene, 527 
Cajuputol, 527 
Calabar bean, 399 
Calabarine, 399 
Calamine. 5S2 
Ca'lamus, 5S2 
Ca'lcii bro'midum, 254 

car'bonas praecipita'tus, 

chlo'ridum, 159 

hypopho'sphis, 239 

pho'sphas praecipita'tus, 

158 
su'lphas exsicca'tus, 

*59 
Calcined magnesia, 163 
Ca'lcium, 155 

beta-naphtol alpha-mono- 
sulphonate, 343 



Ca'lcium, bromide,, 254 

carbonate, precipitated, 

i55 

chloride, 159 

glycerophosphate, 241 

hydrate solution of, 157 

hypophosphile, 239 

lacto-phosphate, syrup 
of, 15S 

phosphate, precipitated, 
158 

sulphate, dried, 159 

sulphide, crude, 261 
Cale'ndula, 676 
Calendulin, 676 
Calloxylin, 665 
Calomel, 212 
Calu'mba, 5S0 
Calumbic acid, 580 
Calumbin, 580 
Calx, 157 

chlora'ta, 243 

sulphura'ta, 261 
Cambo'gia, 508 
Camphor, 64S 

Barus, 649 

Borneo, 649 

laurel, 648 

monobromated, 649 

Sumatra, 649 
Ca'mphora, 648 

monobro'mata, 649 
Camphorated oil, 649 
Camphoric acid, 650 
Cannabin, 387 
Cannabinine, 3S7 
Cannabinon, 3S7 
Canada balsam, 524 

turpentine, 524 
Canadian hemp, 632 

moonseed, 673 
Canadine, 641 
Candle fish, 684 
Cane sugar, 619 
Cane'lla, 582 

bark, 582 
Canellin, 582 
Ca'nnabis, Indian, 386 

i'ndica, 386 
Cantharidal collodion, 665 

pitch plaster, 522 
Cantha'rides, 697 
Cantharidin, 697 



Ca'ntharis, 697 
Caoutchouc, 667 
Capronic acid, 531 
Capryiic acid, 531 
Capsaicin, 542 
Capsicin, 542 
Ca'psicum. 541 
Capsules, 36 
Canquoin's paste, 176 
Caraway, 551 

oil of, 551 
Ca'rbo, 276 

anima'lis, 276 

purifica'tus, 276 

li'gni, 276 
Carbolic acid, 328 
Carbon, 276 

bisulphide, 262 

disulphide, 262 
Carbo'nei disu'lphidum, 262 
Cardamom, 544 
Cardamo'mum, 544 
Cardiac mechanism, drugs 

acting on, 55 
Carlsbad water. 144 
Carminic acid, 692 
Carminative tincture, 544 
Carminatives, 86 
Carolina pink, 628 
Carragheen, 608 
Carron oil, 157 
Ca'rum, 551 
Carvol, 548, 552 
Caryophyllene, 534 
Caryophyllin, 534 
Caryo'phyllus, 534 
Casca bark, 435 
Casca'ra sagra'da, 495 
Cascari'lla, 585 
Cascarillin, 585 
Cascarin. 496 
Ca'ssia bark, 540 

cinnamon, 540 

fi'stula, 485 

oil of, 540 

purging, 485 
Casta'nea, 458 
Castile soap, white, 607 
Castor oil, 487 

seeds, 487 
Catapla'smata, 36 
Catechin, 597, 604 
Ca'techu, 597 



726 



INDEX. 



Ca'techu, tannic acid, 597 
Catechuic acid, 597 
Cathartic acid, 485, 493 

pills, compound, 212 
vegetable, 506 
Cathartics, 92 
Cathartogenic acid, 493 
Cathartomannit, 493 
Cantharidal pitch plaster, 522 
Caullophylline, 643 
Caullophy'llum, 643 
Caustic, lunar, 170 

mitigated, 171 

potash, 122 

soda, 138 

Vienna, 123 
Caustics, 61 
Cayenne pepper, 541 
Celandine, 512 
Cephaelic acid, 451 
Cephaeline, 451 
Ce'ra a'lba, 696 

fla'va, 696 
Cerasin, 15 
Cera'ta, 20 
Cerates, 20 
Cerebral depressants, 106, 

35° 
Cerebral excitants, 371 

stimulants, 105 
Ce'reus grandiflo'rus, 447 
Ce'rii o'xalas, 165 
Cerin, 696 
Ce'rium, 165 

oxalate, 165 
Cerous oxalate, 165 
Cerylic alcohol, 696 
Ceta'ceum, 691 
Cetin, 691 
Cetra'ria, 621 
Cetraric acid, 621 
Cetylic alcohol, 691 
Cevadine, 442 
Ceylon cinnamon, 539 
Chalk, drop, 155 

mixture, 155 

powder, compound, 155 

prepared, 155 

troches of, 155 
Chalybeate pills, 190 
Chamomile, 554 

German, 555 

oil of, 554 



Champagne, 281 
Charcoal, animal, 276 
purified, 276 

wood, 276 
Charas, 387 
Cha'rta, 20 

pota'ssii nitra'tis, 131 

si'napis, 521 
Chaulmoogra oil, 678 
Chelidonine, 512 
Chelido'nium, 512 
Chelerythrine, 450, 512 
Chemical constitution, 47 

incompatibility, 41 
Chenopo'dium, 628 
Cherry laurel, 655 

wild, 462 
Chestnut, 458 

Cheyne-Stokes breathing, 
drugs which produce, 79 
Chima'phila, 636 
Chimaphilin, 636 
Chinese cinnamon, 540 
Chira'ta, 585 
Chiratin, 585 
Chire'tta, 554 
Chittem bark, 495 
Chloral, 309 
Chloral formamide, 313 

hydrate, 309 
Chlorolamide, 313 
Chlora'lum formamida'tum, 

3i3 
Chloralose, 314 
Chloretone, 314 
Chloreto'num, 314 
Chloric ether, 291 
Chlorinated lime, 243 

soda, solution of, 243 
Chlorine, 243 

water, 243 
Chlorobrom, 314 
Chlorodyne, 291 
Chloroform, 290 
Chlorofo'rmum, 290 

bellado'nnae, 379 

purifica'tum, 290 
Chlo'rum, 243 
Cholagogues, 96 
Cholera serum and inocula- 
tion, 709 
Choline, 387 
Cholesterin, 694 



Cho'ndrus, 608 
Chromic acid, 234 

anhydride, 234 

trioxide, 234 
Chro'mium, 234 
Chrysophan, 490, 660 
Chrysophanic acid, 490, 493, 

603, 660 
Chrysarobin, 490, 660 
Chrysarobi'num, 490, 660 
Churrus, 387 
Churchill's tincture, 247 
Cicconardi's test, 170 
Cigarettes, 36 
Ciliary muscle, drugs acting 

on, 112 
Cimici'fuga, 587 
Cimicifugin, 587 
Cincho'na, 463 

red, 464 

ru'bra, 464 
Cinchotannic acid, 464 
Cinchonidi'nae su'lphas, 

467 
Cinchonidine, 463 

sulphate, 467 
Cinchoni'na, 467 
Cinchoni'nse su'lphas, 467 
Cinchonine, 463, 467 

sulphate, 467 
Cinchonism, 471 
Cineol, 527, 528, 530, 626, 

663 
Cider, 281 
Cinnabar, 210, 222 
Cinnamein, 565 
Cinnamene, 567 
Cinnamo'mum ca'ssia, 540 

saigo'nicum, 539 

zeyla'nicum, 539 
Cinnamon, 539 

cassia, 540 

Ceylon, 539 

Chinese, 540 

oil of, 540 

saigon, 539 
Cinnamic aldehyde, 540 

acid, 540, 565, 566, 65$ 
Cinnamyl cinnamate, 566 

cocaine, 412 
Citrated caffeine, 389 

effervescent, 389 
Citral, 654 



INDEX. 



727 



Citrene, 654 
Citrine ointment, 213 
Citric acid, 266, 655 
Citrullin, 506 
Clarendon, 156 
Claret, 281 
Clarified honey, 681 
Clark's powder, 473 
Club moss, 668 
Cloves, 534 

oil of, 534 
Clysters, 36 
Co'ca, 411 
Cocamania, 416 
Cocai'nse hydrochlo'ras, 

412 
Cocaine, 412 

hydrochlorate, 412 
Cocamine, 412 
Coccogin, 532 
Cocculus Indicus, 629 
Co'ccus, 692 
Cochineal, 692 

bug, 692 
Cocilla'fia, 461 
Codamine, 350 
Codei'na, 366 
Codeine, 366 

phosphate, 366 
Cod liver oil, 684 
Coffee, 389 
Cohosh, blue, 643 

black, 587 
Colchiceine, 645 
Colchicine, 645, 646 
Co'lchicum, 645 
root, 645 
seed, 646 
Cold cream, 556 
pack, 118 
baths, 117 
Collidine, 408 
Collo'dia, 20 
Collodion, 665 

blistering, 665 
cantharidal, 665 
styptic, 593 
Collodions, 20 
Collo'dium, 665 

cantharida'tum, 665 
flex'ile, 665 
sty'pticum, 593 
Colloidal silver, 174 



Colluna'ria, 36 
Colly'ria, 36 
Colocynth, 505 
Colocynthein, 506 
Colocynthin, 506 
Colocy'nthis, 505 
Colocynthitin, 506 
Colophony, 523 
Coloring agents, 664 
Columbo, 580 
Common salt, 144 
Compound antimony pills, 
212 

cathartic pills, 212 
Condal, 144 
Condy's fluid, 208 
Confe'ctio ro'sse, 556 

se'nnse, 493 
Confection of rose, 555 

senna, 493 
Confe'ctiones, 21 
Confections, 21 
Conhydrine, 406 
Coniine, 406 
Coni'um, 405 
Conserves, 21 
Consti'tuens, 41 
Consumptive's weed, 460 
Contrext5ville, 156 
Convallamarin, 432 
Convalla'ria, 431 
Convallarin, 432 
Convolvulin, 502 
Copa'iba, 571 
Copaiva, 571 
Copaivic acid, 571 
Copper, 179 

oleate, 180 

sulphate, 179 
Copperas, 189 
Coriander, 550 
Coriandrol, 550 
Coria'ndrum, 550 
Coridine, 408 
Corn-silk, 636 
Cornutine, 637 
Co'rrigens, 41 

Corrosive mercuric chloride, 
211 
sublimate, 211 
Corson's paint, 505 
Coster's paste, 247 
Coto, 604 



Cotoin, 605 
Cotton, 665 

absorbent, 665 
purified, 665 
root bark, 643 
soluble gun, 665 
seed oil, 666 
Couch grass, 633 
Coumarin, 676 
Counter-irritant, 61 
Court plaster, 695 
Ciamp bark, 644 
Cranberry, high bush, 644 
Cranesbill, 602 
Cream of tartar, 129 
Creams, 36 
Crede's method, 173 

ointment, 174 
Cremora, 36 
Creolin, 337 
Greoli'num, 337 
Creosol, 334 
Creosote, 334 
Creoso'tum, 334 
Cre'ta praepara'ta, 155 
Crocetin, 644 
Crocin, 644 
Crocose, 644 
Cro'cus, 644 

Croton chloral hydrate, 312 
oil, 504 

seeds, 504 
Crotonol, 504 
Crude calcium sulphide, 261 

carbolic acid, 328 
Cubeb, 574 

camphor, 575 
Cube'ba, 574 
Cubebic acid, 574 
Cubebin, 574 
Cu'ca, 411 
Cucumber, squirting, 507 

bitter, 506 
Culver's root, 511 
Cumulative action, 40 
Cupreine, 464 
Cu'pri su'lphas, 179 
Cupric sulphate, 179 
Cu'prum, 179 
Curacoa aloes, 496 
Cura'ra, 411 
Curare, 411 
Curari'na, 411 



728 



INDEX. 



Curarine, 411 
Curd soap, 693 
Cuspa'ria, 586 

co'rtex, 586 
Cusparidine, 586 
Cusparin, 586 
Cusso, 624 
Cutch, 597 
Cymene, 528, 574 
Cypripe'dium, 559 
Cryptopine, 350 

DAMIA'NA, 577 
Dandelion, 588 
Daphnin, 532 
Daturic acid, 382 
Daturin, 382 
Deadly nightshade, 371 
Deco'cta, 21 
Deco'ctum ad icte'ricos 

512 
Decoctions, 21 
Definitions, 9 
Deliriants, 105 
Delphinine, 629 
Delphinoidine, 629 
Delphisine, 629 
Demulcents, 64 
Deodorants, 50 
Deodorized alcohol, 280 

opium, 352 
Depressants, cerebral, 106 
Dermatol, 183 
Deuteropine. 350 
Dextrin, 620 
Dextropinene, 550 
Dextrose, 681 
Diachylon ointment, 166 

plaster, 166 
Dia'lysis, 15 
Dialyzed iron, 196 
Diaphoretics, 64 
Diastase, 620 
Dichloromethane, 682 
Diethylenediamine, 348 
Diethylsulphondimethyl- 

methane, 317 
Diethylsulphonmethylethyl- 

methane, 317 
Digallic acid, 593 
Digestants, 682 
Digestive apparatus, drugs 

acting on, 79 



Digitalein, 421 
Digitalin, 421 
Digitali'num pu'rum, 121 

ve'rum, 421 
Digita'lis, 421 
Digitonin, 421 
Digitoxin, 421 
Di-iodosalicylic acid, 342 
Di-isobutylorthocresol 

iodide, 341 
Dill, 552 

Diluted alcohol, 279 
Dimethylethylcarbinol, 315 
Dinner pill, 499 
Dionine, 363 
Diosphenol, 570 
Dipentene, 546 
Diphtheria antitoxin, 705 
Direct action, 46 
Disinfectants, 48 
Dispensing the prescription, 

46 
Dispermine, 348 
Displacement, 15 
Dissolution, law of, 104 
Distilled water, 116 
Dithymoldiiodide, 340 
Diuretics, 66 
Diuretin, 392 
Dock, yellow, 603 
Dog button, 393 
Domestic measures, 18 
Donovan's solution, 212 
Doses, 19, 39 
Dover's powder, 352 
Drastic purgatives, 92 
Draught, 37 
Dried alum, 186 

gypsum, 159 

sodium carbonate, 140 
Droitwich water, 145 
Drop chalk, 155 
Drops, 37 

Drugs, administration of, 
38 

acting on the heart, 420 
nervous system, 

349> 6 79 
Dubo'isinse su'lphas, 386 
Duboisine sulphate, 386 
Dulcama'ra, 635 
Dulcamarin, 635 
Dusart's syrup, 206 



EARS, drugs acting on, 112 
pills, 205 

Easton's syrup, 205 

Eau de goudron, 521 

Ebonite, 667 

Ecbolics, 108 

Ecboline, 637 

Ecgonine, 412 

Effervescent citrated caf- 
feine, 389 
lithium citrate, 153 
magnesium citrate, 162 
potassium citrate, 127 
powder, compound, 143 

Egg albumin, 691 
yolk of, 691 

Elaeoptens, 14 

Ela'stica, 667 

Elaterin, 507 

Elateri'num, 507 

Elder, 552 

Elecampane, 458 

Electrozone, 244 

Electuaries, 21 

Elemi, 533 

Eli'xir aroma'ticum, 591 
pho'sphori, 237 
proprieta'tis Parace'lsi, 
498 

Eli'xira, 21 

Elixiis, 21 

Elm, 616 

slippery, 616 

Elutriation, 15 

Emetics, 86, 129 

Emetine, 451 

hydrobromate, 451 
hydrochlorate, 451 

Emmenagogues, 113 

Emodin, 490, 495 

Emollients, 64 

Empirical therapeutics, 9 

Empla'stra, 21 

Emu'lsa, 22 

Emulsin, 612, 613 

Emulsions, 22 

Enemas, 36 

Ene'mata, 36, 94 

Epinephrin, 704 

Epsom salt, 162 

Ergot, 637 

of rye, 637 

Ergo'ta, 637 



INDEX. 



729 



Ergotic acid, 637 
Ergotin, 637 
Ergotine, 637 
Ergotinic acid, 637 
Ergotinine, 637 
Ergotism, 639 
Ericolin, 460, 631, 636 
Eri'geron, oil of, 519 
Eriodi'ctyon, 460 
Erythrophloeine, 436 
Erythro'phloeum, 436 
Erythroretin, 490 
Erythrol ni'tras, 308 

nitrate, 308 

tetranitrate, 308 
Erythro'xylon, 411 
Escharotics, 61 
Eseridine, 399 
Eserine, 399 

salicylate, 399 

sulphate, 399 
Essence of nutmeg, 538 

of peppermint, 547 

of spearmint, 548 
Essences, 37 
Esse'ntiae, 37 
Essential oils, 13 
Ether, 297 

acetic, 300 

chloric, 291 

ethylic, 297 

hydrobromic, 301 

nitrous, spirit of, 304 

spirit of, compound, 298 

sulphuric, 297 
Ethereal oil, 298 
Ethyl acetate, 300 

alcohol, 279 

bromide, 301 

carbamate, 318 

chloride, 303 

cinnamate, 567 

oxide, 297 

urethane, 318 
Ethylic alcohol, 279 

ether, 297 
Eucai'nae hydrochlo'ras, 326 

alpha, 326 

beta, 328 
Eucaine hydrochlorate, 326 
Eucalyptene, 528 
Eucalyptol, 528 
Eucal'yptus, 527 



Eucal'yptus gum, 604 
Eudoxin, 185 
Eugenic acid, 534 
Eugenin, 534 
Eugenol, 534 
Eulachon oil, 684 
Eunatrol, 606 
Euonymin, 513 
Euo'nymus, 513 
Eupatorin, 487 
Eupato'rium, 487 
Europhen, 341 
Exalgin, 324 
Exalgi'num, 324 
Expectorants, 78 

depressing, 78 

stimulating, 78 
Experimental therapeutics,io 
Expressed oil of nutmeg, 538 

of almond, 613 
Extract of meat, 689 
Extra'cta, 22 

flu'ida, 24 

organ'ica, 701 
Extracts, 22 
Extra'ctum ca'rnis, 689 

pancreatis, 688 
Eye, drugs acting on, no 

FABIA'NA, 636 
Fabianine, 636 
False hellebore, 436 
Family pill, 232 
Fats, definition of, 13 
Fel bo'vis, 680 

purifica'tum, 680 
tau'ri, 680 
Fennel, 550 
Fern, male, 623 
Ferratin, 206 
Fe'rri a'rsenas, 196 

ca'rbonas sacchara'tus, 

190 
chlo'ridum, 191 
ci'tras, 192 

et ammo'nii ci'tras, 194 
su'lphas, 193 
ta'rtras, 194 
pota'ssii ta'rtras, 194 
quini'nse ci'tras, 195 
solu'bilis, 195 
strychni'nse citras, 
195 



Fe'rri hypopho'sphis, 240 
io'didum sacchara'tum, 

190 
la'ctas, 191 

o'xidum hydra'tum, 193 

cum magne'sia, 

193 

pho'sphas solu'bilis, 794 

pyropho'sphas solu'bilis, 

196 
su'lphas. 189 

exsicca'tus, 189 
granula'tus, 189 
valeria'nas, 557 
Ferric acetate solution, 193 
ammonium sulphate, 193 
chloride, 191 

solution of, 191 
tincture of, 191 
Weld's syrup of, 199 
citrate, solution of, 192 
hydrate, 193 

with magnesia, 193 
hydroxide, 193 
hypophosphite, 240 
nitrate, solution of, 192 
phosphate, soluble, 194 
pyrophosphate, soluble, 

196 
subsulphate, solution of, 

192 
valerianate, 557 
Ferrous carbonate, mass of, 
190 
iodide, pills of, 190 
saccharated, 190 
syrup of, 190 
lactate, 191 
sulphate, 189 
dried, 189 
granulated, 189 
Ferruginous pills, 190 
Fe'rrum, 188 

dialysa'tum, 196 
redu'ctum, 188 
Ferulic acid, 560 
Fi'cus, 484 
Fig, 484 
Filicic acid, 623 
Filicin, 623 
Fi'lix-mas, 623 
Fir wood oil, 567 
balsam of, 524 



730 



INDEX. 



Fish berry, 629 
Fixed oils, 12 
Flag, sweet, 582 
Flaxseed, 618 
oil of, 618 
Fleabane, oil of, 519 
Fleming's tincture, 437 
Flexible collodion, 665 
Flies, Spanish, 697 
Flitwick water, 205 
Flowers of sulphur, 258 
Fluid extracts, 24 
Fly fungus, 402 
Fceni'culum, 550 
Fome'nta, 37 
Fomentations, 37 
Foods, 684 
Formal, 344 
Formaldehyde, 344 
Formaldehy'dum, 344 
Formalin, 344 
Formic aldehyde, 344 
Foxglove, 421 
Fowler's solution, 224 
Fra'ngula, 495 
Frangulin, 495 
Frankincense, 523 
Franz Joseph, 144 
Friedrichshall, 144 
Friar's balsam, 656 
Fuller's earth, 187 
Fusel oil, 289 

GADUIN, 685 
Galactagogues, 114 
Galba'num, 561 
Galipeine, 586 
Galipidine, 586 
Gall, ox, 680 
Ga'lla, 592 

Gallic acid, 592, 596, 602, 603 
Gallotannic acid, 593 
Gamboge, 508 
Gambogia, 508 
Gambogic acid, 508 
Ganga, 387 
Gargari'smata, 37 
Gargles, 37 
Garlic, 455 
Gastric antiseptics, 84 

juice, action of drugs on, 
82 

sedatives, 85 



Gastro-intestinal irritants, 84 
Gaulthe'ria, oil of, 480 
Gelatin, 696 
Gelati'num, 696 
Gelsemine, 403 
Gelseminic acid, 403 
Gelseminine, 403 
Gelse'mium, 403 
General therapeutics, 9 
Generation, action of drugs 

on, 112 
Gentian, 583 
Gentia'na, 583 
Gentisic acid, 583 
Gentiogenin, 583 
Gentiopicrin, 583 
Geraniol, 589 
Gera'nium, 602 
German chamomile, 555 
Gin, 281 
Ginger, 543 
Gingerol, 543 
Glacial acetic acid, 266 
Glauber's salt, 142 
Glonoin, 308 

spirit of, 308 
Glonoi'num, 308 
Glucose, 681 
Glucosides, 12 
Glucusimide, 346 
Gluside, 346 
Glusi'dum, 346 
Gluten, 695 
Glycerin, 608 

suppositories, 609 
Glyceri'num, 608 
Glyceri'ta, 26 
Glycerites, 26 
Glyceri'tum a'cidi carbo'lici, 

329 

a'cidi ta'nnici, 593 

a'myli, 609 

boroglyceri'ni, 273 

hydra'stis, 641 

vite'lli, 609 
Glycerol, 608 

Glyceryl borate, glycerite of, 
273 

butyrate, 538 

myristate, 538 

oleate, 538 

trinitrate, 308 
Glycogelatin, 696 



Glycogenic function, 98 
Glyconin, 609 
Glycyramin, 617 
Glycyrrhetin, 616 
Glycyrrhi'za, 616 
Glycyrrhizin, 616 

ammoniated, 617 
Glycosuria, 98 
Gnoscopine, 350 
Goa powder, 660 
Gold, 209 

and sodium chloride, 209 
Golden seal, 640 
Gossy'pii ra'dicis co'rtex, 642 
Gossy'pium purifica'tum, 665 
Goulard's cerate, 167 

extract, 166 
Grana'tum, 624 
Granulated ferrous sulphate, 

189 
Granules, 37 
Gray powder, 210 
Gregory's powder, 490 
Green mercurous iodide, 212 
hellebore, 442 
Paris, 228 
Scheele's, 228 
Schweinfurth's, 228 
soap, 607 
solution, 479 
vitriol, 189 
Griffith's mixture, 189 
Grinde'lia, 568 
Grindeline, 568 
Guaiac, 670 
resin, 670 
wood, 669 
Guai'aci li'gnum, 670 

resi'na, 670 
Guaiacic acid, 670 
Guaiacol, 336, 670 
benzoate, 336 
carbonate, 336 
salicylate, 337 
Guaiaco'li be'nzoas, 336 
ca'rbonas, 336 
sali'cylas, 337 
Guaiaconic acid, 670 
Guaiaretic acid, 670 
Guara'na, 391 
Guaranine, 389, 392 
Guinea pepper, 541 
Gum arabic, 615 



INDEX. 



731 



Gum Benjamin, 656 

camphor, 648 

guaiac, 670 

resins, 15 
Gums, 15 

Gun cotton, soluble, 665 
Gunjah, 387 
Gu'ttae, 37 
Guy's pill, 220, 433 
Gynocardic acid, 678 
Gypsum, dried, 159 

TJiEMATIN, 600 
■ ■ Hsematinics, 53 

indirect, 53 
Hsematoxylin, 600 
Hseraato'xylon, 600 
Haemostatics, 63 
Hamame'lis, 601 
Habit, 40 
Hard soap, 607 
Hard petrola'tum, 278 
Harrogate water, 261 
Haschisch, 387 
Hartshorn, 150 
Hau'stus, 37 
Hazeline, 601 

Heart, drugs acting on, 56 
Heavy magnesia, 163 
Hedeo'ma, 553 
Helenin, 459 
Hellebore, American, 442 

green, 442 

false, 436 
Hemidesmic acid, 676 
Hemidesmine, 676 
Hemide'smus, 676 
Hemlock, 405 
Hemp, Indian, 386 

Canadian, 632 
Henbane, 383 
Hepatic stimulants, 96 

aloes, 497 
Heroine, 363 
Hesperidene, 589 
Hesperidin, 589 
Hexamethylentetramine, 34: 
High bush cranberry, 644 
Himrod's cure, 383 
Hircin, 693 
Hiru'do, 700 
Hive syrup, 231 
Hoang-Nan, 393 



Hock, 281 

Hoffmann's anodyne, 298 

Homatropi'nse hydrobro'- 

mas, 381 
Homatropine hydrobromate, 

381 
Homochelidonine, 450 
Homoquinine, 464 
Homolle's digitalin, 421 
Homopterocarpin, 664 
Honey, 681 

clarified, 681 
of rose, 555 
Honey, 28 
Hops, 368 
Ho'rdeum decortica'tum, 

620 
Horehound, 634 
Horseradish, 541 
Hot pack, 119 
bath, 119 
Huile de Cade, 522 
Human milk, artificial, 687 
Hu'mulus, 368 
Hunyadi Janos, 93 
Hydragogues, 93 
Hydra'rgyri chlo'ridum 
corrosi'vum, 211 
chlo'ridum mi'te, 212 
cya'nidum, 213 
empla'strum, 210 
io'didum fla'vum, 212 
io'didum ru'brum, 212 
o'xidum fla'vum, 211 
o'xidum ru'brum, 210 
Hydra'rgyri subsu'lphas 

flavus, 214 
Hydra'rgyrum, 210 
ammonia'tum, 213 
cum cre'ta, 210 
Hydrastine, 641 
Hydrastini'nae hydrochlo'- 

ras, 641 
Hydrastinine hydrochlo- 

rate, 641 
Hydra'stis, 641 
Hydrated alu'mina, 186 

ferric oxide, 193 
Hydriodicacid, syrup of, 248 
Hydrobromic acid, diluted, 
258 
ether, 301 
Hydrochloric acid, 265 



Hydrochloric ether, 303 
Hydrocotarnine, 350 
Hydrocyanic acid, diluted, 

i34 
Hydrogen dioxide, solution 
of, 120 
peroxide solution, 120 
Hydrous wool-fat, 694 
Hydroquebrachine, 459 
Hydroxide, ferric, 193 
potassium, 123 
sodium, 138 
Hydrophobia antidote, 710 
Hyosci'nae hydrobro'mas, 

385 
Hyoscine hydrobromate, 385 
Hyoscyami'nae hydrobro'- 
mas, 385 
su'lphas, 384 
Hyoscyamine hydrobromate, 
385 
sulphate, 384 
Hyoscy'amus, 384 
Hypnal, 312 
Hypnotics, 106, 309 
Hypodermatic injections. 

38 
Hypophosphites, 239 
syrup of, 239 

with iron, 240 
Hypophosphorus acid, di- 
luted, 240 

ICE BAGS, 119 
*■ poultices, 118 
Iceland moss, 621 
Ichthyoco'lla, 694 
Ichthyol, 699 
Ichthy'olum, 699 
Idiosyncrasy, 40 
Igasuric acid, 393 
Illi'cium, 549 
Imperial drink, 131 
Incompatibility, chemical, 
• 4i 

pharmacological, 43 

physical, 43 
Index, 721 
India rubber, 667 

senna, 493 
Indian cannabis, 386 

hemp, 386 

tobacco, 456 



732 



INDEX. 



Indian sarsaparilla, 676 
Indifferent bath, 117 
Indirect action, 47 
Indurated lard, 690 
Ineine, 429 
Infu'sa, 26 
Infusions, 26 
Inhalations, 37, 74 
Inje'ctiones, 37 
Injections, 37 
Insuffla'tiones, 37 
Insufflations, 37 
Intestinal antiseptics, 94 

astringents, 95 
Intestines, drugs acting on, 

90 
Intra-ocular tension, 112 
1'nula, 458 
Inulin, 459 
Iodides, 247 
Iodine, 245 

compound solution 0^245 

ointment. 245 

tincture of, 245 
Io'dum, 245 
Iodoform, 338 
Iodofo'rmum, 338 
Iodol, 341 
Iodo'lum, 341 
Iodantipyrin, 323 
Iodopyrin, 323 
Iodosalicylic acid, 342 
Iodothyrin, 703 
Ipecac, 451 
Ipecacua'nha, 451 
Ipecacuanhic acid, 451 
Iridin, 513 
Iridi'num, 513 
Iris, 512 
Irish moss, 608 
Irisin, 513 
Iron, 188 

and ammonium acetate, 
solution of, 192 

and ammonium citrate, 
194 
tartrate, 195 

and potassium tartrate, 
194 

and quinine citrate, 195 
soluble, 195 

and strychnine citrate, 

* J 95 



Iron arsenate, 196 

by hydrogen, 188 

dialyzed, 196 

glycerophosphate, 242 

metallic, 188 

mixture, compound, 
189 

plaster, 193 

Quevenne's, 188 

quinine, strychnine phos- 
phates, syrup of, 194 

reduced, 188 

tartrated, 194 

troches of, 193 

wood, 459 
Irritants, 61 

gastro-intestinal, 84 
Isinglass, 694 
Isohesperidin, 589 
Isopelletierine, 624 
Isotrophylcocaine, 412 
Itrol, 173 
Ivy, poison, 660 
Izal, 338 

TABORANDI, 417 
^J Pernambuco, 417 
Rio Janeiro, 417 
Jaborine, 417 
Jalap, 501 
Jala'pa, 501 
Jalapin, 501, 502 
Jalapurgin, 502 
James' powder, 231 
Jamestown weed, 382 
Jarisch's ointment, 597 
Jasmine, yellow, 403 
Jervine, 442 
Jeyes' disinfectant, 338 
Jordan almond, 613 
Juglandic acid, 492 
Ju'glans, 492 
Juices, 37 
Juniper tar oil, 522 

KAMA'LA, 625 
Kaolin, 187 
Kermes mineral, 230 
Kinic acid, 464 
Ki'no, 599 
Kinoin, 599 
Kino-tannic acid, 599, 604 



Kinovic acid, 464 
Kinovin, 464 
Kissingen, 144 
Ko'la nut, 389 
Kombe poison, 431 
Kombic acid, 429 
Kooso, 624 
Kosin, 625 
Koumiss, 688 
Koussin, 625 
Kousso, 624 
Krame'ria, 598 
Kramero-tannic acid, 5; 
Kumyss, 281, 688 



LABARRAQUE'S solu- 
tion, 243 
La Bourboule, 205 
Lac, 687 

su'lphuris, 259 
Lactic acid, 267 
Lactophenin, 324 
Lactopheni'num, 324 
Lactose, 695 
Lactuca'rium, 370 
Lactucerina, 370 
Lactucin, 370 
Lactucon, 370 
Lactylparaphenetidine, 324 
Lady Webster's pill, 498 
Ladies' slipper, 559 
Lame'llae, 37 
Lanolin, 694 
Lanthropine, 350 
La'pis divi'nus, 180 

inferna'lis, 171 
La'ppa, 674 
Lard, 690 

benzoinated, 656 

indurated, 690 

oil, 690 
Latin phrases, 719 
Laudanine, 350 
Laudanosine, 350 
Laudanum, 352 
Laurel camphor, 648 
Laurocerasin, 656 
Lauroce'rasus, 655 
Lavender, oil of, 545 

flowers, oil of, 545 
Law of dissolution, 104 
Laxatives, 91 



INDEX. 



733 



Lead, 165 

acetate, 166 

carbonate, 166 
ointment, 167 

iodide, 167 

ointment, 167 

nitrate, 167 

oxide, 165 

plaster, 166 

poisoning, 169 

subacetate, cerate of, 166 
solution of, 167 

sugar of, 166 

white, 167 

water, 166 
Ledoyen's disinfecting fluid, 

167 
Leech, 700 
Leiter's coils, 119 
Lemon, 654 

juice, 654 

oil of, 654 

peel, 654 
Leopardsbane, 530 
Lepta'ndra, 511 
Leptandrin, 511 
Lettuce, 370 
Levant wormseed, 626 
Levigation, 16 
Levico water, 205 
Lichenin, 621 
Lichenstearic acid, 622 
Light magnesia, 163 
Li'gnum vi'tse, 669 
Lily of the valley, 431 
Lime, 157 

chlorinated, 243 

liniment, 157 

phosphate, precipitated, 
158 

solution of, 157 

syrup of, 157 

water, 157 
Limonene, 654 
Limonine, 546 
Limo'nis co'rtex, 654 

su'ccus, 655 
Linalool, 546 

acetate, 546 
Li'nctus, 37 

opia'tus, 361 
Liniment, volatile, 149 
Linime'nta, 27 



Liniments, 27 

Linime'ntum acon'iti com- 
positum, 440 

chlorofo'rmi, 291 
Linolein, 618 
Linseed, 618 

oil of, 618 
Li'num, 618 
Liquid petrola'tum, 277 
Liqueurs, 281 
Li'quor ca'lcis, 157 

carbo'nis dete'rgens, 521 

pancrea'tis, 688 

pi'cis carbo'nis, 521 

pota'ssse, 123 

so'dse, 138 

thyroi'dei, 701 
Liquo'res, 27 
Liquorice root, 616 

powder, compound, 494 

Russian, 616 
Lister's ointment, 275 
Litharge, 165 
Li'thii be'nzoas, 657 

bro'midum, 253 

ca'rbonas, 153 

ci'tras, 153 

efferve'scens, 154 

sali'cylas, 475 
Lithium, 153 

benzoate, 657 

bromide, 253 

carbonate, 153 

citrate, 153 

effervescent, 154 

glycerophosphate, 242 

salicylate, 475 
Lithontriptics, 68 
Liver, drugs acting on, 96 

of sulphur, 261 
Lixiviation, 16 
Llangammarch wells, 161 
Lobelacrin, 456 
Lob'elia, 456 
Lobeline, 456 
Local action, 46 

anodynes, 101 

anaesthetics, 101 
Loganin, 393 
Logwood, 600 
London paste, 157 
Losophan, 342 
Lo'tiofla'va, 218 



Lo'tio n'igra, 218 

ru'bra, 178 

spi'ritus, 287 
Lotio'nes, 37 
Lotions, 37 
Lugol's solution, 245 
Lunar caustic, 170 
Lupulin, 369 
Lupulinic acid, 369 
Lupuli'num, 369 
Lutidine, 408 
I.ycopo'dium, 668 
Lye, 16 
Lysol, 338 
Ly'solum, 338 

M ACE, 539 
* ' * Macene, 539 
Maceration, 16 
Macis, 539 
Madeira, 281 
Macrotin, 588 
Magendie's solution, 355 
Magne'sia, 163 

calcined, 163 

heavy, 163 

light, 163 

pondero'sa, 163 
Magne'sii ca'rbonas, 162 

ci'tras efferve'scens, 162 

su'lphas, 162 
Magne'sium, 162 

carbonate, 162 

citrate effervescent, 162 
solution of, 163 

glycerophosphate, 242 

sulphate, 162 
Maizenic acid, 633 
Male fern, 623 
Malic acid, 557 
Malt, 620 
Maltose, 620 

Ma'ltum, 620 » 

Mancona bark, 435 
Mandrake, 509 
Manganese, 206 

black oxide, 206 

dioxide, 206 

sulphate, 207 
Manga'ni dio'xidum, 206 

su'lphas, 207 
Manganous sulphate, 207 
Manga'num, 206 



734 



INDEX. 



Manilla elemi, 533 
Ma'nna, 485 
Marc, 16 
Marienbad, 144 
Marigold, 676 
Marrubiin, 634 
Marru'bium, 634 
Marsden's paste, 226 
Marsh's test, 229 
Marshmallow, 612 
Mass, blue, 210 

of copaiba, 571 

of ferrous carbonate, 190 

Vallet's, 190 
Ma'ssa copa'ibse, 571 

fe'rri carbona'tis, 190 

hydr'argyri, 210 
Ma'ssse, 28 
Masses, 28 
Mastic, 666 
Mastiche, 666 
Mastichic acid, 667 
Masticin, 667 
Mate, 389 

Mat'eria me'dica, 9 
Ma'tico, 576 
Matricaria, 555 
May apple, 509 
McDade's formula, 672 
Measures, 18 

domestic, 18 
Meadow saffron, 645 
Meat extract, 689 
Meconic acid, 350, 353 
Meconidine, 350 
Meconin, 350 
Meconoiasin, 350 
Mel, 681 

despuma'tum, 681 

ro'sse, 555 
Me'llita, 28 
Meli'ssa, 661 
Menispe'rmum, 673 
Menispine, 673 
Mental emotion, 40 
Me'ntha piperi'ta, 546 

vi'ridis, 548 
Menthene, 547, 548 
Menthol, 547, 652 
Mercurial ointment, 210 

plaster, 210 
Mercuric ammonium chlo- 
ride, 213 



Mercuric chloride, cor- 
rosive, 211 
cyanide, 213 
iodide, red, 212 
nitrate, ointment of, 213 

solution of, 213 
oxide, red, 210 

ointment of, 211 
yellow, 211 

ointment of, 211 
subsulphate, yellow, 214 
sulphate, basic, 214 
Mercurous chloride, mild, 
212 
iodide, yellow, 212 
tannate, 220 
Mercuro-zinc cyanide, 221 
Mercurol, 220 
Mercury, 210 

administration of, 221 
ammoniated, 213 
ointment, 213 
bichloride, 211 
biniodide, 212 
chloride, corrosive, 211 

mild, 212 
iodide, green) 212 
red, 212 
yellow, 212 
mass of, 210 
oleate of, 211 
protiodide of, 212 
subchloride, 212 
tannate, 220 
with chalk, 210 
Metabolism, drugs acting on, 

"5 
Metadioxybenzol, 344 
Methyl acetanilid, 324 

amine, 663 

benzoylecgonime, 412 

coniine, 406 

morphine, 366 

pelletierine, 624 

pyrocatechin, 336 

salicy'las, 481 

salicylate, 481 
Methylene blue, 347 
Metrical system, 17 
Mezerein, 532 
Mezereon, 532 
Mezere'um, 532 
Michel's paste, 268 



Milk, 687 

artificial human, 687 

drugs acting on, 114 

drugs excreted by, 114 

of almond, 613 

of asafetida, 560 

of sulphur, 259 

peptonized, 688 

sugar of, 695 
Mindererus, spirit of, 152 
Mistu'ra amy'gdalae, 613 
Mistu'rse, 28 
Mixtures, 28 
Mitigated caustic, 171 
Molli'num, 37 
Monkshood, 437 
Monobromated camphor, 

649 
Monsel's solution, 192 
Moonseed, Canadian, 673 
Morphi'na, 353 
Morphi'nae ace'tas, 354 

hydrochlo'ras, 353 

su'lphas, 354 
Morphine, 353 

acetate, 354 

benzylic ether hydro- 
chlorate, 363 

diacetic ether, 363 

hydrochlorate, 353 

monoethyl ether hydro- 
chlorate, 363 

sulphate, 354 
Morrhuol, 685 
Morton's fluid, 247 
Mo'schus, 679 
Mosquera-Julia beef meal, 

689 
Moss, Iceland, 621 

Irish, 608 
Motor nerves, drugs acting 

on, 99 
Moulded silver nitrate, 171 
Mountain balm, 460 
Mucilage, 28 
Mucila'gines, 28 
Muriatic acid, 264 

diluted, 265 
Muscari'na, 402 
Muscarine, 402 
Muscles, drugs acting on, 

99 
Musk, 679 



INDEX. 



735 



Musk root, 544 
Mustard, 524 

black, 524 

paper, 525 

white, 524 
Mutton suet, 692 
Mydriatics, 111 
Myosin, 626 
Myotics, in 
My'rcia, oil of, 663 
Myricin, 696 
Myri'stica, 538 
Myristicine, 538 
Myristico', 538 
Myristin, 618 
Myrosin, 524, 525 
Myrrh, 562 
My'rrha, 562 
Myrrhin, 562 
Myrrhol, 562 

NANTWICH water, 145 
Napelline, 437 
Naphtalin, 342 
Naphtali'num, 342 
Naphtol, 342 
Narceine, 350, 366 
Narcotics, 106 
Narcotine, 350, 366 
Nativelle's digitalin, 421 
Natural orders, 692 
Ne'bulae, 37 
Nepenthe, 352 
Neroli, oil of, 591 
Nerves, drugs acting on, 99, 

4°5 
Neuritis, drugs causing, 

102 
Nicotianine, 408 
Nicotine, 408 
Night blooming cereus, 

447 
Nightshade, deadly, 371 

woody, 635 
Nitric acid, 264 

diluted, 264 
Nitrites, 303 
Nitre, 131 

sweet spirit of, 304 
Nitroglycerin, 308 

spirit of, 308 
Nitrohydrochloric acid, 264 
diluted, 264 



Nitromuriatic acid, 264 

diluted, 264 
Nitrous ether, spirit of, 

304 
Norwood's tincture, 442 
Nucin, 492 
Nutgall, 592 
Nutmeg, 538 
Nutrient serum, 710 
Nux vo'mica, 393 

OAK bark, 592 
poison, 660 

white, 592 
CE'sypum, 694 
Oil of allspice, 536 

almond, expressed, 613 

American wormseed, 629 

anise, 549 

bay, 663 

benne, 663 

bergamot, 546 

betula, volatile, 480 

bitter almond, 612 

cade, 522 

cajuput, 527 

caraway, 551 

carron, 157 

cassia, 540 

castor, 487 

chamomile, 555 

chaulmoogra, 678 

chenopodium, 629 

cinnamon, 540 

cloves, 534 

cod liver, 684 

copaiba, 571 

coriander, 550 

cotton seed, 666 

croton, 503 

of cubeb, 575 

dill, 552 

erigeron, 519 

ethereal, 298 

eucalyptus, 528 

eulachon, 684 

fennel, 551 

firwood, 567 

flaxseed, 618 

fleabane, 519 

fusel, 290 

gaultheria, 480 

hedeoma, 553 



Oil of juniper, 569 

lard, 690 

lavender, 545 
flowers, 545 

lemon, 654 

linseed, 618 

mustard, volatile, 525 

myrcia, 663 

neroli, 591 

nutmeg, 538 

expressed, 538 

olive, 605, 606 

orange flowers, 591 
peel, 590 

pennyroyal, 553 

peppermint, 547 
Chinese, 653 
Japanese, 653 

phosphorated, 237 

pimenta, 536 

pine, 567 

rose, 556 

rosemary, 530 

rue, 579 

sandal wood, 576 

santal, 576 

sassafras, 675 

savine, 578 

sesame, 663 

sweet, 605 

spearmint, 548 

sweet birch, 480 

tar, 520 

teel, 663 

theobroma, 666 

thyme, 574 

turpentine, 515 
rectified, 516 

vitriol, 263 

wintergreen, 480 
artificial, 481 
synthetic, 480 
Oils, 29 

essential, 13 

fixed, 12 

nitrogenated, 14 

oxygenated, 14 

sulphurated, 14 

volatile, 13 
Ointments, 35 
O'lea, 29 
Olea'ta, 28 
Oleate of mercury, 211 



736 



INDEX. 



Oleate of veratrine, 445 

zinc, 177 
Oleates, 28 
Olea'tum hydra'rgyri, 211 

veratri'nae, 445 

zi'nci, 177 
Oleic acid, 611 
Olein, 666, 684, 693 
Oleoresins, 14 
O'leum a'dipis, 690 

sethe'reum, 298 

amy'gdalse ama'rae, 
612 
expre'ssum, 613 

ane'thi, 552 

ani'si, 549 

anthe'midis, 554 

aura'ntii co'rticis, 590 
flo'rum; 591 

berga'mii, 546 

bergamo'ttse, 546 

be'tulse vola'tile, 480 

cadi'num, 522 

cajupu'ti, 527 

ca'ri, 551 

caryo'phylli, 534 

chenopo'dii, 629 

cinnamo'mi, 540 

copai'bae, 571 

coria'ndri, 550 

cube'bae, 575 

erigero'ntis, 519 

eucaly'pti, 528 

foeni'culi, 551 

gaulthe'rise, 480 

gossy'pii se'minis, 666 

gynoca'rdiae, 678 

hede'omse, 553 

jecoris ase'lli, 684 

juni'peri, 569 

empyreuma'ticum, 
522 

lave'ndulae, 545 

lavendulae florum, 545 

limo'nis, 654 

li'ni, 618 

me'nthae piperi'tse, 547 
vi'ridis, 548 

mo'rrhuse, 684 

my'rciffi, 663 

myri'sticae, 538 

expre'ssum, 538 

oli'vse, 605 



O'leum phosphora'tum, 

237 

pi'cis li'quidse, 520 

pime'ntse, 536 

pi'ni, 567 

ri'cini, 487 

ro'sse, 556 

rosmar'ini, 530 

ru'tse, 579 

sabi'nse, 578 

sa'ntali, 576 

sa'ssafras, 675 

se'sami, 663 

si'napis vola'tile, 525 

terebi'nthinse, 515 

rectifica'tum, 516 

theobro'matis, 666 

thy'mi, 574 

ti'glii, 503 
Olive oil, 605 
Ophelic acid, 585 
O'pii pu'lvis, 351 
Opium, 350 

Constantinople, 350 

Egyptian, 350 

Levant, 350 

Patna, 351 

Smyrna, 351 

Turkey, 350 
Opodeldoc, 607 
Orange peel, 589 

bitter, 589 

oil of, 590 

sweet, 590 
Ordeal bark, 435 

bean, 399 
Organic extracts, 701 
Organs of generation, drugs 

acting on, 112 
Ouabain, 416 
Ouabai'num, 416 
Ourari, 411 
O'vi a'lbumin, 691 
Oxgall, 680 

purified, 680 
Oxygen, 122 
Oxyge'nium, 122 
Oxymel, 681 
Oxyme'llita, 37 
Oxynarcotine, 350 
Oxytocics, 113 
Oxytoluyltropine, 381 



HACK, cold, 118 
* hot, 119 
Paint, 37 
Pale rose, 555 
Palmitic acid, 691 
Palmitin, 618, 666, 684, 693 
Panama bark, 668 
Pancreatin, 683 
Pancreati'num, 683 
Papa'ver, 350 
Papaverine, 350 
Paper, mustard, 525 

potassium nitrate, 131 
Papers, 20 

Para-acetphenetidin, 323 
Paraguay tea, 389 
Paraldehyde, 315 
Paraldehy'dum, 315 
Paramorphine, 366 
Para rubber, 667 
Parasiticides, 51 
Paregoric, 352 

Scotch, 352 
Pare'ira, 634 

brava, 634 
Pariglin, 672 
Pari'lla, yellow, 673 
Parillin, 672 
Parillinic acid, 672 
Paris green, 228 
Parish's food, 206 
Parsley, 645 
Parvoline, 408 
Paste, 37 

Coster's, 247 

London, 157 

Marsden's, 226 

Ricord's, 268 

Vienna, 123 
Pasti'llus, 37 
Pastils, 37 
Pearl ash, 139 

barley, 620 
Pearson's solution, 224 
Pellitory, 533 
Pelletierine, 624 
Pelosine, 634 
Pellotine, 370 
Pelloti'num, 370 
Pennyroyal, 553 
Pental, 302 
Pe'ntalum, 302 
Pe'po, 625 



INDEX. 



737 



Pepper, 537 

African, 541 

black, 537 

cayenne, 541 

guinea, 541 
Peppermint, 546 
Pepsin, 682 

saccharated, 682 
Pepsi'num, 682 

sacchara'tum,682 
Peptonized milk, 688 
Percolation, 16 
Pe'rles, 37 

Pernambuco Jaborandi, 417 
Peronine, 363 
Pessaries, 37 
Pe'ssus, 37 
Petrola'tum, 277 

hard, 278 

liquid, 277 

li'quidum, 277 

mo'lle, 278 

soft, 278 

spi'ssum, 278 
Petroleum benzin, 279 

ether, 279 

ointment, soft, 278 
hard, 278 
Phaeoretin, 490 
Pharmaceutical processes, 15 
Pharmacognosy, definition, 9 
Pharmacological incompati- 
bility, 43 
Pharmacology, definition, 9, 

38 
Pharmacopoeia, definition, 
10 

preparations of the, 19 
Pharmaco-dynamics, 10 
Pharmacy, definition, 10 
Phellandrene, 516 
Phenacetin, 323 
Phenaceti'num, 353 
Phenazo'num, 321 
Phenic acid, 329 
Phenocoll hydrochloride, 325 
Phenoco'lli hydrochlo'ridum, 

325 
Phenol. 329 
Phenylacetamide, 319 

dimethylpyrazolone, 321 

alcohol, 329 

propylcinnamate, 567 



Phenylacetamide, salicylate, 

481 
Physical incompatibility, 43 
Phosphorated oil, 237 
Phosphoric acid, 265 
diluted, 265 
Pho'sphorus, 236 

elixir of, 237 

pills of, 237 

spirit of, 237 
Physosti'gma, 399: 
Physostigmi'nse salicy'las, 

399 
su'lphas, 399 
Physostigmine, 399 
salicylate, 399 
sulphate, 399 
Phytola'cca, 486 
fruit, 486 
root, 486 
Phytolaccic acid, 486 
Phytolaccin, 486 
Pichi, 636 
Picoline, 408 
Picro-aconitine, 437 
crocin, 664 
podophyllin, 510 
Picrotoxin, 629 
Picrotoxi'num, 629 
Pigme'ntum, 37 
Pills, 30 

of aloes, 497 

and asafetida, 497 
and mastic, 498 
and myrrh, 498 
antimony, compound, 

212 
asafetida, 560 
Blaud's, 190 
blue, 210 
cathartic, compound, 212 

vegetable, 506 
chalybeate, 190 
ferrous carbonate, 190 

iodide, 190 
ferruginous, 190 
opium, 35T 
phosphorus, 237 
Plummer's, 212 
rhubarb, 490 

compound, 490 
saccharated iron carbon- 
ate, 190 

47 



Pilocarpidine, 417 
Pilocarpi'nas hydrochlo'ras, 
417 

hydrochlorate, 417 
Pilocarpine, 417 
Pilocarpus, 417 
Pi'lula hydra'rgyri, 210 

tri'um phospha'tum, -505 
Pi'lulse, 30 
Pime'nta, 536 
Pink, Carolina, 628 
Pink root, 628 
Pinene, 663 
Pinol, 567 
Pi'per, 537 
Piperidine, 537 
Piperazidine, 348 
Piperazine, 348 
Pipera'zinum, 348 
Piperin, 537 
Piperi'num, 537 
Piperonylic acid, 604 
Pipsi'ssewa, 636 
Pitch, Burgundy, 522 
plaster, 522 
cantharidal, 522 
Pix Burgu'ndica, 522 

li'quida, 520 
Plague serum and inocula- 
tion, 709 
Plasma, drugs acting on, 51 
Plaster, adhesive, 523 

diachylon, 166 

lead, 166 

of Paris, X59 
Plasters, 21 
Piatt's chlorides, 176 
Pleurisy root, 457 
Plu'mbi ace'tas, 166 

ca'rbonas, 167 

io'didum, 167 

ni'tras, 167 

o'xidum, 165 
Plu'mbum, 165 
Plummer's pills, 212 
Pneumogastric, drugs acting 

on, 57 
Podophyllin, 509 
Podophyllic acid, 509, 510 
Podophyllum, 509 
Podophyllotoxin, 510 
Poison ivy, 660 

nut, 393 



738 



INDEX. 



Poison oak, 660 
Poke berry, 486 

root, 486 
Polychroite, 664 
Pomegranate, 624 
Pond's extract, 601 
Poppy capsules, 359 
Port, 281 
Porter, 281 
Posology, 39 
Potash, caustic, 122 

yellow prussiate of, 134 
Pota'ssa, 122 

cum cal'ce, 123 

solution of, 123 

sulphura'ta, 261 

with lime, 123 
Pota'ssii ace'tas, 127 

bica'rbonas, 126 

bichro'mas, 138 

bita'rtras, 129 

bro'midum, 253 

ca'rbonas, 125 

chlo'ras, 132 

ci'tras, 127 

efferve'scens, 127 

cya'nidum, 134 

et so'dii ta'rtras, 142 

ferrocya'nidum, 134 

hypopho'sphis, 239 

io'didum, 248 

ni'tras, 132 

perma'nganas, 207 

su'lphas, 129 
Potassio-ferric tartrate, 194 
Pota'ssium, 122 

acetate, 127 

alum, 185 

and sodium tartrate, 142 

arsenite, solution of, 224 

bicarbonate, 126 

bichromate, 138 

bitartrate, 129 

bromide, 253 

cantharidinate, 699 

carbonate, 125 

chlorate, 132 

troches of, 132 

citrate, 127 

effervescent, 127 
solution of, 127 

cyanide, 134 

dichromate, 235 



Pota'ssium ferrocyanide, 
134 
glycerophosphate, 242 
hydrate, 122 

solution of, 123 
hydroxide, 122 
hypophosphite, 239 . 
iodide, 248 

ointment of, 248 
oleate, 667 
nitrate, 131 

paper, 131 
permanganate, 207 
sulphate, 129 
tartrate, acid, 129 
Powder, antimonial, 231 
aromatic, 540 
compound chalk, 155 
effervescent, 143 
glycyrrhiza, 494 
jalap, 502 
morphine, 351 
Dover's, 352 
ipecac and opium, 352 
James', 231 
opium, 351 
Seidlitz, 143" 
Tully's, 354 
Powders, ^ji 
Poultices, 36 
Precipitate, red, 210 

white, 213 
Precipitated calcium carbon- 
ate, 155 
phosphate, 158 
sulphur, 259 
Preface, 5 

Preparations, standardized, 
16 
pharmacopceial, 19 
Prepared chalk, 155 
Prescribing, 41 
Prescription, 44 
Prickly ash, 671 
Primary action, 46 
Prince's pine, 636 
Proof spirit, 279 
Propenyl trinitrate, 308 
Protopine, 350, 450, 512 
Protargol, 173 
Prune, 483 
Pru'num, 483 
Pru'nus Virginia'na, 462 



Prussiate of potash, yellow, 

i34 
Prussic acid, 134 
Pseudo-aconitine, 437 

aconine, 437 

jervine, 442 

morphine, 350 

pelletierine, 624 
Pterocarpin, 664 
Pullna, 93, 144 
Pulsatilla, 456 
Pu'lvis antimo'nialis, 231 

aroma'ticus, 540 

cre'tse compo'situs, 155 

efferve'scens compo'si- 
tus, 143 

glycyrrhi'zee compo'si- 
tus, 494 

ipecacua'nhae et o'pii, 
352 

jala'pse compo'situs, 502 

morphi'na? compo'situs, 
354 

pu'rgans, 502 

rhe'i compo'situs, 490 

salicy'licus cum ta'lco, 

479 
Pu'lveres, 31 
Pumiline, 567 
Pumpkin seed, 625 
Punicotannic acid, 624 
Pupil, drugs acting on, no 
Purgatives, 91, 483 

drastic, 92 

saline, 93 

simple, 92 
Purging cassia, 485 
Purified cotton, 665 

oxgall, 680 
Pustulants, 61 
Pyre'thrum, 533 
Pyridine, 408 
Pyrocatechin, 599, 604 
Pyrogallic acid, 596 
Pyrogallol, 596 
Pyroxylin, 665 
Pyroxyli'num, 665 

QUAKER BUTTON, 393 
Qua'ssia, 584 
Quassiin, 584 
Quebrachamine, 459 
Quebracho, 459 



INDEX. 



739 



Queen's delight, 674 

root, 674 
Quercin, 592 
Quercitannic acid, 592 
Quercite, 592 
Que'rcus a'lba, 592 
Quevenne's digitalin, 421 

iron, 188 
Quicksilver, 210 
Quillaic acid, 669 
Quilla'ja, 668 
Quinamine, 463 
Quinidi'nse su'lphas, 466 
Quinidine, 463 

sulphate, 466 
Quinic acid, 463 
Qui'ni'na, 465 
Quini'nse bisu'lphas, 466 

hydrobro'mas, 466 

hydrochlo'ras, 466 

su'lphas, 465 

valeria'nas, 558 
Quinine, 463, 465 

bisulphate, 466 

carbamide, 473 

hydrobromate, 466 

hydrochlorate, 466 

sulphate, 465 

valerianate, 558 
Quinovic acid, 464 
Quinovin, 464 

RAISINS, 622 
Rash., drugs producing, 
66 
Raspberry, 662 
Rate of excretion, 40 
Rational therapeutics, 9 
Rectified oil of turpentine, 

5i6 
Red corpuscles, drugs acting 
on, 53 
cinchona, 464 
gum, 604 
lotion, 178 
precipitate, 210 
rose, 555 
saunders, 664 
scale insect, 692 
wine, 285 
Reduced iron, 188 
Refrigerants, 82 
Reinsch's test, 229 



Remote action, 47 
Remijia bark, 464 
Repercolation, 16 
Resin, 523 

of copaiba, 572 

of jalap, 502 

of podophyllin, 509 

of scammony, 500 

soap, 523 
Resi'na, 523 
Resins, 14 
Resorcin, 344 
Resorcinol, 344 
Resorci'num, 344 
Respiration, drugs acting on, 

74 
Respiratory centre, drugs 
acting on, 75 

depressants, 76 

disinfectants, 75 

stimulants, 76 
Rha'mnus, purshia'na, 495 
Rhamnose, 495 
Rhatanin, 598 
Rhatany, 598 
Rheotannic acid, 490 
Rhe'um, 489 
Rhein, 490 
Rhine wine, 283 * 
Rhodinal, 556. 
Rhoeadine, 350 
Rhubarb, 489 
Ricinine, 487 
Ricinolein, 487 
Rhus gla'bra, 601 

toxicode'ndron, 660 
Richfield Springs, 260 
Ricord's paste, 268 
Rio Janeiro jaborandi, 417 
Rise of temperature, drugs 

causing, 73 
Rochelle salt, 142 
Ro'sa, 556 

ga'llica, 555 

centifo'lia, 555 
Rose, 555 

attar of, 556 

pale, 555 

red, 555 

water, 556 
Rosemary, 530 

oil of, 530 
Rosin, 523 



Rottle'ra, 625 
Rottlerin, 625 
Rubber, India, 667 

Para, 667 
Rubefacients, 60 
Rubidine, 408 

Rubidium and ammonium 
bromide, 257 
iodide, 252 
Rubijervine, 442 
Rubinat, 93 

Condal, 144 
Ru'bus, 602 

idse'us, 662 
Rusbyine, 461 
Rush's thunderbolt, 503 
Rum, 281 
Ru'mex, 603 
Rumicin, 603 
Russian liquorice, 616 
Rutin, 570 



OABI'NA, 577 
^ Saccharated ferrous car- 
bonate, 190 

ferrous iodide, 190 

pepsin, 682 
Saccharin, 346 
Sacchari'num, 346 
Sa'ccharum, 619 

la'ctis, 695 
Sacred bark, 495 
Saffron, 664 

meadow, 645 
Sage, 663 

Saigon cinnamon, 539 
Sal alembroth, 220 

ammoniac, 151 

soda, 139 

volatile, 150 
Salicin, 474 
Salici'num, 474 
Salicylic acid, 475 

ether of phenol, 481 
Salicylism, 478 
Saline purgatives, 93 
Salipyrin, 322 
Salivary glands, drugs act* 

ing on, 79 
Salol, 481 
Salophen, 483 
Salt, common, 144 



740 



INDEX. 



Salt, Epsom, 162 

Glauber's, 142 

Rochelle, 142 
Salts of tartar, 125 
Saltpetre, 131 
Sa'lvia, 663 
Salviol, 663 
Sambu'cus, 552 
Sandalwood, oil of, 576 
Sanguina'ria, 450 
Sanguinarine, 450, 512 
Sanitas, 518 
Santal, 664 

oil of, 576 
Santalal, 576 
Santalin, 664 
Santalol, 576 
Sa'ntalum ru'brum, 664 
Santo'nica, 626 
Santonin, 626 
Santoni'num, 626 
Sa'po, 607 

anima'lis, 693 

mo'llis, 607 

vi'ridis, 607 
.Sapogenin, 448 
Saponin, 421, 448, 643, 

669 
Sapotoxin, 669 
Sarsapari'lla, 672 

Indian, 676 
Sa'ssafras, 675 

medu'lla, 675 

oil of, 675 

pith, 675 
Sassy bark, 435 
Saunders red, 664 
Savanilla rhatany, 598 
Savine, 577 
Scaling, 16 
Scammonin, 501, 502 
Scammo'nium, 500 
Scammony, 500 
Scheele's prussic acid, 134 

green, 228 
Schleich's infiltration, 414 
Schweinfurth's green, 228 
Sci'lla, 432 
Scillin, 432 
Scillipicrin, 432 
Scillitoxin, 432 
Sclerotinic acid, 603 
Scoparin, 434 



Scopa'rius, 434 
Scopolamine, 384 
Scotch paregoric, 352 
Scott's ointment, 218 
Scullcap, 677 
Scutellaria, 677 
Sea onion, 432 
Secondary action, 46 
Secretion of milk, drugs act- 
ing on, 114 
Sedatives, gastric, 85 
Seidlitz powder, 143 

water, 143 
Se'nega, 448 

root, 448 
Senegin, 448 
Se'nna, 493 

Alexandria, 493 

Tinnivelly, 493 

India, 493 
Sennacrol, 493 
Sennapicrin, 485, 493 
Sensory nerves, drugs acting 

on, 100 
Serpenta'ria, 587 
Serum, antipneumococcic, 
709 

antistreptococcic, 708 

antivenomous, 709 

nutrient, 710 

and inoculation, cholera> 
709 
plague, 709 
typhoid, 710 
Sesame, oil of, 663 
Se'vum, 692 
Sherry, 281 
Sialogogues, 80 
Siddhi, 387 
Silver, 170 

caseinate, 173 

citrate, 173 

colloidal, 174 

cyanide, 171 

iodide, 172 

lactate, 173 

nitrate, 170 

diluted, 171 
moulded, 171 

oxide, 175 

soluble, 174 
Sinalbin, 524 
Sinapin, sulphate, 524 



Si'napis, 524 
a'lba, 524 
ni'gra, 524 
Sinigrin, 525 

Skin, drugs acting on, 64 
Slippery elm bark, 616 
Smedley's paste, 542 
Smilacin, 672 
Snakeroot, black, 587 

senega, 448 

Virginia, 587 
Soap, 607 

bark, 668 

constitution of, 13 

curd, 693 

green, 607 

hard, 607 

lees, 139 

soft, 607 

white castile, 607 
Socaloin, 498 
Socotrine aloes, 497 
Soda, 138 

baking, 140 

caustic, 138 

solution of, 138 

washing, 139 

tartrated, 142 
So'dii ace'tas, 147 

a'rsenas, 224 

be'nzoas, 657 

bica'rbonas, 140 

bisu'lphis, 146 

bo'ras, 273 

bro'midum, 253 

ca'rbonas, 139 

exsicca'tus, 140 

chlo'ras, 147 

chlo'ridum, 144 

e'thylas, 148 

hypopho'sphis, 239 

hyposu'lphis, 146 

io'didum, 248 

ni'tras, 147 

ni'tris, 303 

pho'sphas, 142 

pyropho'sphas, 148 

salicy'las, 475 

su'lphas, 142 

su'lphis, 145 

sulphoca'rbolas, 333 

valeria'nas, 558 
Sodium, 138 



INDEX. 



741 



Sodium acetate, 147 

arsenate, 224 

solution of, 224 

benzoate, 657 

bicarbonate, 140 
troches, 140 

bisulphite, 146 

borate, 273 

bromide, 253 

cacodylate, 22S 

carbonate, 139 
dried, 140 

chlorate, 147 

chloride, 144 

ethylate, 148 

glycerophosphate, 241 

hydrate, 13S 

solution, 13S 

hydroxide, 138 

hydrophosphite, 239 

hyposulphite, 146 

iodide, 248 

nitrate, 147 

nitrite, 303 

oleate, 607 

orthophosphate, 142 

paraphenolsulphonate, 
333 

phosphate, 142 

pyroborate, 273 

pyrophosphate, 148 

salicylate, 475 

sesquicarbonate, 140 

sulphate, 142 

sulphite, 145 

sulphocarbolate, 333 

thiosulphate, 146 

valerianate, 558 
Soft petrola'tum, 278 

petroleum ointment, 278 

soap, 607 

liniment, 607 
Solanine, 635 
Solidified copaiba, 571 
Soluble silver, 174 
Soporifics, 350 
Soja bean, 621 
Sorghum, 619 
Sozo-iodol, 342 
Spanish flies, 697 
Spearmint, 548 
Spartei'nae su'lphas, 434 
Sparteine, 434 



Sparteine sulphate, 434 

Spermace'ti, 691 

Spige'Iia, 628 

Spigeline, 628 

Spinal cord, drugs acting on, 

102, 393 
Spindle tree, 513 
Sphacelic acid, 637 
Sphacelotoxin, 637 
Spirit of nitrous ether, 304 

mindere'rus, 152 

of wine, 279 
Spirits, 31, 281 
Spi'ritus, 31 

ae'theris nitro'si, 304 

frume'nti, 2S0 

rectifica'tus, 281 

te'nuior, 281 

vi'ni ga'llici, 280 
Sponging, cold, 118 

hot, 120 
Spotted hemlock, 405 
Sprays, 37 
Squaw root, 643 
Squill, 432 

compound syrup of, 231 
Squire's chemical food, 206 
Squirting cucumber, 507 
Standardizing, 16 
Staphisa'gria, 629 
Staphisagrine, 629 
Star anise, 549 
Starch, 667 
Stavesacre, 629 
Stearic acid, 693 
Stearin, 666, 693 
Stearoptens, 14, 648 
Stilli'ngia, 674 
Stimulants, cerebral, 105 

hepatic, 96 
Stinkweed, 382 
Stomach, drugs acting on, 82 
Stomachics, 82 
Sto'rax, 567 
Storesin, 567 
Stout, 281 
Stramo'nium, 382 
Stramo'nii fo'lia, 383 

se'men, 382 
Strengthening plaster, 193 
Streptococcus antitoxin, 708 
Stro'ntii bro'midum, 254 

io'didum, 249 



Stro'ntii la'ctas, 160 
Stro'ntium, 160 

bromide, 254 

iodide, 249 

lactate, 160 
Strophanthidin, 429 
Strophanthin, 429 
Stropha'nthus, 429 

kombe, 429 
Strychni'na, 393 
Strychni'nse su'lphas, 394 
Strychnine, 393 

sulphate, 394 
Styptic collodion, 593 
Styptics, 63 
Styracin, 567 
Styrax, 567 
Styrol, 567 

Sublimate, corrosive, 211 
Sublimed sulphur, 258 
Su'cci, 37 
Sucrose, 619 
Sudorifics, 65 
Suet, 692 

mutton, 692 
Sugar, 619 

cane, 619 

drugs causing it in urine, 
70 

of milk, 695 

of lead, 166 
Sulphanilic acid, 250 
Sulphonal, 317 
Sulphona'lum, 317 
Su'lphur, 258 

flowers of, 258 

iodide, 261 

liver of, 261 

lo'tum, 259 

milk of, 259 

ointment, 259 

precipitated, 259 

precipita'tum, 259 

sublima'tum, 258 

sublimed, 258 

vegetable, 668 

washed, 259 
Sulphuric acid, 263 

aromatic, 264 
diluted, 263 
ether, 297 
Sulphurated lime, 261 

potassa, 261 



742 



INDEX. 



Sulphurated antimony, 230 
Su'lphuris io'didum, 261 
Sulphurous acid, 272 
Sumach, 601 
Sumatra camphor, 649 
Sumbul, 544 
Sumbulic acid, 545 
Supposito'ria, 32 
Suppositories, 32 
Suprarenal extract, 704 
Sweet almond, 613 

flag, 582 

oil, 605 

orange peel, 590 

spirit of nitre, 304 
Sydenham's laudanum, 351 
Sylvacrol, 674 
Symbols, 17 
Sympathetic system, drugs 

acting on, 112 
Synthetic oil of wintergreen, 

480 
Syrup, 619 
Sy'rupi, 32 
Syrups, 32 
Sy'rupus, 619 

gluco'si, 619 

sci'llae compo'situs, 231 

hypophosphi'tum cum 
fe'rro, 240 

tri'um phospha'tum, 194 

TABA'CUM, 408 
Tabe'llse, 37 
Tablet triturates, 37 
Tablets, 37 
Tabloids, 37 
Tamar indien, 495 
Tamarind, 484 
Tamar'indus, 484' 
Tanacetin, 579 
Tanace'tum, 579 
Tannalbin, 596 
Tannic acid, 592, 593, 600, 

602, 603, 604 
Tannigen, 595 
Tannin, 593 
Tansy, 579 
Tar, 520 
Tarasp, 144 
Taraxacin, 589 
Taraxacerin, 589 
Ta'raxacum, 588 



Tartar emetic, 231 

cream of, 129 

salts of, 125 
Tartaric acid, 266 
Tartrated antimony, 231 

iron, 195 
Tea, 389 
Teel oil, 663 

Teeth, drugs acting on, 79 
Tepid bath, 120 
Terebene, 564 
Terebe'num, 564 
Terebi'nthina, 515 

canade'nsis, 524 
Terpenes, 14 
Terpin hydrate, 564 
Terpi'ni hy'dras, 564 
Terpinene, 544 
Tertiary amylic alcohol, 

3i5 
Testicular juice, 705 
Tetanocannabine, 387 
Tetanus antitoxin, 708 
Tetraiodopyrrol, 341 
Tetronal, 318 
Tetramethylthionin chloride, 

347 
Thalli'nsesu'lphas, 326 
Thalline sulphate, 326 
Thebaine, 350, 366 
Thebolactic acid, 351 
Theine, 388 

Theobro'ma, oil of, 666 
Theobromi'nae sodio-salicy'- 

las, 392 
Theobromine sodio-salicy- 

late, 392 
Therapeutics, 38 
definition of, 9 
general, 9 
rational, 9 
empirical, 9 
experimental, 10 
Therapo-dynamics, 10 
Thermogenesis, 71 
Thermolysis, 71 
Thermotaxis, 71 
Thiol, 700 

Thiersch's solution, 275 
Thompson's fluid, 275 

solution, 237 
Thorn-apple, 382 
Thoroughwort, 487 



Thus America'num, 524 
Thyme, oil of, 574 
Thymene, 574 
Thymol, 652 
Thyroid, dry, 701 

solution of, 701 
Thyro'ideum si'ccum, 701 
Thyroidin, 701 
Tiglinic acid, 504 
Tinctu'ra antiperio'dica, 474 

carminati'va, 545 

chloro'formi et morphi'- 
nae compo'sita, 291 

ergo'tae ammonia'ta, 638 

laxati'va, 493 

o'pii ammonia'ta, 352 

sa'ponis vi'ridis, 607 
Tinctu'rae, 32 
Tinctures, 32 
Tobacco, 408 

Indian, 456 
Tolu, balsam of, 566 
Toluene, 566 
Tonga, 677 
Tongine, 677 
Tonic, definition of, 115 
Toxicodendric acid, 661 
Toxicology, definition of, 10 
Tragacanth, 614 
Tragaca'ntha, 614 
Tribromomethane, 302 
Trichloromethane, 290 
Trichlor-tertiary butyl-alco- 
hol, 314 
Tri-iodomethane, 338 
Trimethylethylene, 302 
Trinitrin, 308 
Trional, 318 
Triona'lum, 318 
Triple orange flower water, 

59 1 
rose water, 556 
Triticin, 633 
Tri'ticum, 633 
Trituratio'nes, 34 
Triturations, 34 
Troches, 35 
Trochi'sci, 35 
Tropine, 381 
Trousseau's pill, 179 
Trunks of nerves, drugs act- 
ing on, 102 
Tully's powder, 354 



INDEX. 



743 



Turpentine, 515 
Canada, 524 
liniment, 516 
rectified oil of, 516 

Turpeth mineral, 214 

Typhoid serum and inocula- 
tion, 710 

U'LMUS, 616 
Ungue'nta, 35 
Ungue'ntum metallo'rum, 

178 
United States Pharmaco- 
poeia, 11 
Urari,4ii 

Urea, drugs acting on, 98 
Urethane, 318 
Uretha'num, 318 
Urethra, drugs acting on, 70 
Urinary system, drugs act- 
ing on, 66 
sedatives, 70 
antiseptics, 69 
Urine, composition altered, 

. 69 
increased, 66 

diminished, 68 

rendered acid, 68 

alkaline, 68 

aseptic, 69 

Urotropin, 345 

Urotropi'num, 345 

Uterus, drugs acting on, 113 

Uterine action, substances 

which depress, 114 

U'va u'rsi, 631 

U'vse, 622 

"WAGUS centre, drugs act- 
' ing on, 58 
Valerian, 556 
Valeria'na, 556 
Valerianic acid, 545, 553, 557, 

644 
Valerol, 369 
Vallet's mass, 190 
Vani'lla, 662 
Vanillin, 567, 662 
Vapo'res, 38 
Vascular irritants, 61 
Vaseli'num, 38 
Vasomotor centre, drugs 
acting on, 62 



Vegetable cathartic pills, 
506 

drugs, 349 

mercury, 510 

natural orders, 692 

sulphur, 668 
Veratri'na, 444 
Veratrine, 444 
Verotroidine, 442 
Vera'trum, vi'ride, 442 
Vermicides, 51 
Vermifuges, 51 
Vesicants, 60 
Vessels, drugs acting on, 

59 
Viburnin, 644 
Vibu'rnum o'pulus, 644 

prunifo'lium, 643 
Vienna caustic, 123 

paste, 123 
Villacabras, 93, 144 
Villosin, 603 
Vi'na, 35 
Vinegars, 19 
Vi'num, 280 

antimo'nii, 231 

a'lbum, 280 

fo'rtius, 281 

aura'ntii, 281 

ru'brum, 281 
Virginia snake root, 587 
Vkellin, 626 
Vite'llus, 691 
Vitriol, blue, 179 

elixir of, 264 

green, 189 

oil of, 263 

white, 176 
Vittel, 156 
Volatile liniment, 149 

oils, 13, 514 

oil of betula, 480 

oil of mustard, 525 
Vulcanite, 667 



A1TAHOO, 513 
*» Warburg's tincture, 
474 
Ward's paste, 538 
Warm baths, 119 
Warming plaster, 522 
Wash, black, 218 



Wash, yellow, 218 
Washed sulphur, 259 
Washing soda, 139 
Water, 116 

distilled, 116 
Waters, 19 
Waukesha, 156 
Wax, 696 

yellow, 696 

white, 696 
Weights, 17 

Weld's syrup of ferric chlo- 
ride, 199 
Whiskey, 280 

White corpuscles, drugs act- 
ing on, 54 

arsenic, 223 

castile soap, 607 

lead, 167 

mustard, 524 

oak, 592 

precipitate, 213 
ointment, 213 

vitriol, 176 

wax, 696 

wine, 280 
Wild cherry, 462 
Willow, 474 
Wine of iron, bitter, 196 

red, 281 

Rhine, 283 

white, 280 
Wines, 35 
Wintergreen, oil of, 480 

artificial oil of, 480 

synthetic oil of, 480 
Witchhazel, 601 
Wolfsbane, 437 
Wood charcoal, 276 
Woody nightshade, 635 
Wool-fat, 694 

hydrous, 694 
Wormseed, American, 628 
oil of, 629 

Levant, 626 
Wormwood, 553 
Woorara, 411 
Wourara, 411 
Wourali, 411 
Wourari, 411 



XANTHOXYLON, 671 
Xantho'xylum, 671 



744 



INDEX. 



yELLOW DOCK, 603 
* jasmine, 403 




Zinc, 175 




acetate, 177 


mercuric oxide, 211 




bromide, 254 


subsulphate, 


214 


butter of, 175 


mercurous iodide, 21 


2 


carbonate, precipitated 


parilla, 673 




176 


prussiate of potash, : 


34 


chloride, 175 


puccoon, 640 




solution, 175 


wash, 218 




iodide, 249 


wax, 696 




oleate, 177 


Ye'rba Sa'nta, 460 




oxide, 176 


Yolk of egg, 691 




ointment, 177 
paraphenol sulphonate, 
334 


7ANZIBAR aloes, 498 
*—> Ze'a, 633 




phosphide, 240 




sulphate, 



Zinc sulphocarbolate, 334 

valerianate, 558 
Zi'nci ace'tas, 177 

bro'midum, 254 

ca'rbonas prsecipita'tt 
176 

chlo'ridum, 175 

io'didum, 249 

o'xidum, 176 

pho'sphidum, 240 

su'lphas, 176 

sulphoca'rbolas, 334 

valeria'nas, 558 
Zi'ncum, 175 
Zi'ngiber, 543 
Zymine, 683] 



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